Scientific Name
Dorstenia lavrani T.A.McCoy & M.Massara
Common Names
Tabia Gorge Dorstenia
Scientific Classification
Family: Moraceae
Tribe: Dorstenieae
Genus: Dorstenia
Description
Dorstenia lavrani is a many-stemmed perennial that produces a symmetrical "grove" with succulent stems with a spiral pattern of whitish leaf scars. Stems are up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and topped with a rosette of attractively crisped leaves. It is the only species of Dorstenia in which the male and female flowers are born on separate plants.
Photo via flickr.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10b to 11b: from 35 °F (+1.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Dorstenias are warm-loving plants, and they need a bit more water than regular succulents. They need a well-draining potting mix, and their water needs vary depending on the season of the year. Water regularly to abundant form spring to fall. Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering, but make sure that they never dry out completely. During the winter months, these plants tend to go at least partially dormant. During this period, water very little. Giving plants a warm, sunny position can result in beautiful compact growing plants. Fertilizing plants once in a while during their growing period with a high potash and phosphorus fertilizer is recommended.
The spring weather with a high-temperature swing between the day and night hours and pretty frequent rains can favor the development of fungus 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 liable to populate pots several feet away. They can also be propagated by cuttings.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Dorstenia.
Origin
Dorstenia lavrani is native to northern Somalia.
Links
- Back to genus Dorstenia
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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