The genera of plants within the tribe Stapeliae are stem succulents to varying degrees. Many species resemble cacti though they are not closely related, as an example of convergent evolution. The stems are often angular, mostly four-angled in cross-section, but in some species, there are six or more, with some species of Hoodia having more than thirty angles. They vary from less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in length to over 6 inches (15 cm). The leaves are, in most species, reduced to rudiments, sometimes hardened and thorn-like, arranged on bumps or tubercles on the angles. Some species, however, still have recognizable leaves, most notably the Indian species Frerea indica and some members of Tridentea.
Stapeliads are most abundant in warm, dry climates. In Africa, there are two separate regions where Stapeliads have the most diversified: northeast Africa and southern Africa. Several species are endemic to the small island of Socotra off the Horn of Africa. The Arabian Peninsula, and most specifically the country of Yemen, contains another concentration of species. Several more are found in the drier parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Myanmar. Finally, a single species, Caralluma europea, is found in Europe in the southern part of the Iberian peninsula.
Most Stapeliads use flies as pollinators attracted to odors resembling dung or rotting meat emanating from the flowers. Many of the flowers also bear some physical resemblance to rotting animal carcasses, leading to their popular name of Carrion Flowers. However, not all Stapeliads smell bad or attract flies. Some species use beetles, bees, wasps, butterflies, or moths as pollinators. Stapeliad flowers range in size from mere millimeters in species of Echidnopsis and Pseudolithos to Stapelia gigantea, which reach 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter and are some of the largest of flowers to be found on any species of succulent.
List of Genera
Baynesia, Caralluma, Desmidorchis, Duvalia, Echidnopsis, Edithcolea, Frerea, Hoodia, Huernia, Huerniopsis, Larryleachia, Notechidnopsis, Orbea, Piaranthus, Pectinaria, Pseudolithos, Quaqua, Rhytidocaulon, Stapelia, Stapelianthus, Stapeliopsis, Tavaresia, Tridentea, Tromotriche, Whitesloanea.
Growing Conditions
Light: All Stapeliads enjoy dry heat and sunlight, if not too bright and intense.
Temperature: Stapeliads do not like winter cold and should remain fairly dry and warm during their winter resting period.
Water: In the growing season, water in moderation when needed, making sure soil is fairly dried out between waterings. Do not water in winter.
Soil: These plants need extra good drainage. Stapeliads are shallow-rooted, and a collection of them can be planted nicely in a wide, shallow bowl.
Fertilizer: Fertilize lightly, if at all, to prevent overly lush and weak stems.
Propagation
The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings which can be taken almost throughout the year. Propagation by seed is also used for these succulents.
Grower's Tips
Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. However, they should be treated as outdoor plants as they 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 fall, with flowering in fall when the weather starts to cool down.
Links
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus