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 they have six or more angles, with some Hoodia species having more than 30 angles. They range from less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to over 6 inches (15 cm). In most species, the leaves are 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, Stapeliads are most diverse in two regions: northeast Africa and southern Africa. Several species are endemic to the small island of Socotra off the Horn of Africa. The Arabian Peninsula, especially 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 flowers also resemble rotting animal carcasses, giving them the common name 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 from mere millimeters in species of Echidnopsis and Pseudolithos to Stapelia gigantea, which reaches 16 inches (40 cm) in diameter and is one of the largest flowers found on any succulent species.
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, as long as it isn't too bright or intense.
Temperature: Stapeliads don't like winter cold and should stay fairly dry and warm during their winter resting period.
Water: During the growing season, water it in moderation as needed, ensuring the soil is fairly dry between waterings. Do not water in winter.
Soil: These plants need extra good drainage. Stapeliads are shallow-rooted, and you can plant them 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 by stem cuttings, which you can take almost any time of year. You can also propagate these succulents from seed.
Grower's Tips
Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. However, treat them as outdoor plants, as they rot easily indoors and cannot flower without exposure to outdoor temperature fluctuations. Grow them under cover so you can control watering. 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 that endure extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth occurs in spring and fall, with flowering in fall as the weather cools.
Links
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus