Dorstenia lavrani (Tabia Gorge Dorstenia)

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 of fleshy stems with a spiral pattern of whitish leaf scars and topped with a rosette of attractively crisped leaves. The stems are up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. It is the only species of Dorstenia in which the male and female flowers are born on separate plants.

Dorstenia lavrani (Tabia Gorge Dorstenia) — *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 abundant from 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.