Scientific Name
Dorstenia gigas Schweinf. ex Balf.f.
Common Name(s)
Socotran Fig Tree
Scientific Classification
Family: Moraceae
Tribe: Dorstenieae
Genus: Dorstenia
Etymology
The specific epithet "gigas" (pronounced "JY-gas") means "giant" and refers to the size of this species, which is unusually large within its genus.
Origin
Dorstenia gigas is endemic to the island of Socotra.
Description
Dorstenia gigas is a caudiciform plant with a large, flask-shaped to nearly spherical trunk with many side branches and semi-glossy, deep green leaves generally clustered toward the branch tips. The trunk can reach a height of 4 feet (1.2 m) and a diameter of 3.3 feet (1 m), making this species the largest and most desirable in the genus. The leaves can grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.
The tiny flowers are grouped in flat inflorescences called hypanthodium. They appear at the apex of the branches in the fall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
The members of the genus Dorstenia are warm, loving plants that require slightly more water than regular succulents. They need a well-drained potting mix, and their water needs vary depending on the season of the year. Water these plants regularly and abundantly from spring to fall. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, but ensure it never dries out completely. During the winter months, they tend to go at least partially dormant. During this period, water Dorstenia very little. Providing plants with a warm, sunny position can result in beautiful, compact, and well-growing plants. Fertilizing plants periodically during their growing period with a high-potash and phosphorus fertilizer is recommended.
With a high-temperature swing between day and night hours and frequent rains, spring weather can favor the development of fungal diseases, which should be treated preemptively with a systemic fungicide.
Dorstenias are generally propagated by seed. Many species are self-fertile. Their seeds are expelled explosively from the mature seed heads and are liable to populate pots several feet away. They can also be propagated by cuttings.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Dorstenia.
Links
- Back to genus Dorstenia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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