Larryleachia marlothii

Scientific Name

Larryleachia marlothii (N. E. Br.) D.C.H. Plowes

Synonyms

Hoodia dinteri, Hoodia marlothii, Larryleachia dinteri, Lavrania marlothii, Leachia marlothii, Leachiella dinteri, Leachiella marlothii, Trichocaulon dinteri, Trichocaulon keetmanshoopense, Trichocaulon marlothii, Trichocaulon sinus-luederitzi

Scientific Classification

Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Larryleachia

Description

Larryleachia marlothii is a small succulent with hairless, grey-green, sometimes brown stems clustered from the base. The stems are up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall, densely covered in low tubercles in 12-19 rows with depressed tips enclosing the small conical leaves. Flowers appear in the summer and feature a dark, spotted, 5-pointed corolla and a distinct cross shape in the center.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. They should be treated as an outdoor plant as they will easily rot indoors and cannot flower without exposure to outdoor temperature fluctuations. They should be grown under cover so that watering can be controlled. Stapeliads require a reasonable amount of sunlight to promote flowering and maintain a well-shaped plant. Very shady positions will produce very poor flowering.

These plants 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. In the growing season, water in moderation when needed, making sure soil is fairly dried out between waterings. Do not water between late fall and early spring.

The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings which can be taken virtually throughout the year. Seed is also a method of propagation.

See more at: How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.

Origin

Native to South Africa, Namibia, and southern Angola.