Scientific Name
Caralluma adscendens (Roxb.) R.Br.
Synonym(s)
Boucerosia adscendens
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Caralluma
Origin
The native range of Caralluma adscendens is from India and Sri Lanka through the Arabian peninsula to North Africa and the Sahel.
Description
Caralluma adscendens is a small, shrubby succulent with erect 4-angled branches and minute leaves present only on young branches, soon falling off and leaving a tooth-like projection on the angles. The branches grow up to 26 inches (65 cm) tall and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) in diameter, tapering towards the apex.
The flowers are wheel-like and up to 1 inch 2.5 cm) across. They are borne at the end of the branches, solitary or 2 to 3 together on short stalks, mostly in summer. Petals are narrow, purple with yellow markings, and margins frilly with hairs. The fruits are cylindrical, green with purple stripes, and up to 5 inches (12.5 cm) long.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. However, they should be treated as outdoor plants as they will easily rot indoors and cannot flower without exposure to outdoor temperature fluctuations. They should be grown under cover so that watering can be controlled. They require a reasonable amount of sunlight to promote flowering and maintain a well-shaped plant. Very shady positions will produce very poor flowering. Stapeliads come from climates where they survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth is in spring and autumn, with flowering in autumn when the weather starts to cool down.
The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings, which can be taken virtually throughout the year. Using the seeds is also a method of propagation. However, they all need extra good drainage. Stapeliads are shallow-rooted. A collection of them can be planted nicely in a wide, shallow bowl. When planting, it is a good idea to allow the roots to be buried in soil and then put pure gravel or sand around the plant's base to prevent rot.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.
Links
- Back to genus Caralluma
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
