Huernia zebrina subsp. magniflora is not accepted as a subspecies and is listed as a synonym of Huernia zebrina subsp. zebrina.
Scientific Name
Huernia zebrina subsp. magniflora (Phillips) L.C.Leach
Accepted Scientific Name
Huernia zebrina N. E. Br.
Common Name(s)
Little Owl, Little Owl Eyes, Owl Eyes, Zebra-stripped Huernia
Synonym(s)
Huernia zebrina var. magniflora
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Stapeliae
Genus: Huernia
Etymology
The specific epithet "magniflora (mag-NEE-flor-uh)" means "large-flowered" and refers to the larger size of the flowers compared to the typical form.
Origin
Huernia zebrina subsp. magniflora is native to Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa. It grows in open dry scrubland, in stony areas, often in calcrete or hard loamy soils.
Description
Huernia zebrina subsp. magniflora is a small succulent that forms a clump of upright to decumbent stems with deltoid tubercles joined into usually four angles along the stem. The tubercles are up to 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) long and narrow abruptly into a slender tooth. The stems are grey-green, mottled with purple, and irregularly branched. They can grow up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) thick (excluding teeth).
This plant blooms from late spring to early fall, producing inflorescences of 1 to 3 large, star-shaped flowers on short stalks. The flowers can reach up to 3.4 inches (8.5 cm) in diameter. The corolla is cream to greenish-yellow with irregular, red to maroon transversal lines on the lobes. The lines change to dots on the shiny annulus, often coalescing there. The corolla tube is uniformly red to maroon. The corona has cream outer lobes with red to maroon margins and red to maroon inner lobes with bright yellow dorsal gibbosity.
How to Grow and Care for Huernia zebrina subsp. magniflora
Light: Huernia zebrina subsp. magniflora prefers bright light or partial shade during the hottest summer days. Too much sun can cause the stems to develop a protective pigmentation or get sunburned. Too little light leads to weak, thin stems and decreased flower production. When grown indoors, place the plant near the brightest window of your home.
Soil: The right soil is crucial to successful growing. Use a commercial potting soil mix for succulents, or prepare your own with 50 to 70 % mineral grit, such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite.
Temperature: Huernia zebrina subsp. magniflora thrives in warm outdoor environments with low to moderate humidity but does not like winter cold and should remain fairly dry and warm during its winter dormancy. It grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 30 to 50 °F (-1.1 to 10 °C).
Watering: This plant has typical watering needs for a succulent. During the growing season, water it thoroughly and allow the soil to dry between waterings. It goes dormant in winter and needs almost no water, about once a month.
Fertilizing: To keep it healthy and thriving, fertilization during the growing season is a good idea. Feed with water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: The plant will benefit from fresh potting soil every 2 or 3 years. Repot it in spring, just before the growing season. Pick a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: The best way to propagate Huernia zebrina subsp. magniflora is from stem cuttings. Take cuttings during the growing season to ensure good rooting. It is also easy to start from seeds in spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Huernia.
Toxicity of Huernia zebrina subsp. magniflora
Huernia zebrina subsp. magniflora has no toxic effects reported, so it is safe around pets and humans.
Links
- Back to genus Huernia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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