Scientific Name
Orbea decaisneana subsp. hesperidum (Maire) Jonkers
Accepted Scientific Name
Orbea decaisneana (Lem.) Bruyns
Synonym(s)
Ceropegia venenosa subsp. hesperidum, Angolluma hesperidum, Caralluma commutata subsp. hesperidum, Caralluma decaisneana subsp. hesperidum, Caralluma hesperidum, Pachycymbium decaisneanum subsp. hesperidum
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Orbea
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "hesperidum" (pronounced "hes-PER-ee-dum") means "of the Hesperides, of the west" and almost certainly refers to the western distribution of this form of Orbea decaisneana.
Origin
Orbea decaisneana subsp. hesperidum is native to Morocco. It is not accepted as a separate subspecies and is treated as a synonym of Orbea decaisneana.
Description
Orbea decaisneana subsp. hesperidum is a highly branched succulent with whitish-green to grey-green stems mottled with brown to purple. The stems are cylindrical, slightly angled, with long, stout teeth. They can grow up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter, excluding their teeth, and freely root in contact with the soil, forming diffuse mats over time.
The flowers are dark purple or reddish-brown and appear from summer to fall. They are star-shaped, 5-merous, and can reach a diameter of up to 1 inch (2.5 cm). The fruits are typical horn-shaped follicles.
How to Grow and Care for Orbea decaisneana subsp. hesperidum
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Several species are fairly easy to grow. Others, often those with slightly hairy stems and the more unusual flowers, are more challenging and require careful watering (with some fertilizer) during the growing season and complete water withdrawal during the winter months. A minimum winter temperature of 50°F (10°C) is acceptable, providing plants are kept dry. A heated growing bench or incubator can help delicate plants survive the colder months. However, many species live under shrubs in their habitat and prefer light shade rather than full sun.
A gritty compost is essential, and clay pots are advisable for the more delicate species. Some growers prefer mineral-only compost to minimize the chance of a fungal attack on the roots. A layer of grit on the surface of the compost prevents moisture from accumulating around the base of the stems.
Keeping Stapelias and their roots free of pests, such as mealybugs, is the real key to success, as fungal attacks often occur due to damage to stems by insects.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Stapelia.
Links
- Back to genus Orbea
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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