Orbea dummeri

Scientific Name

Orbea dummeri (N. E. Br.) Bruyns

Synonym(s)

Stapelia dummeri, Caralluma dummeri, Pachycymbium dummeri, Angolluma dummeri

Scientific Classification

Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Orbea

Description

Orbea dummeri, formerly known as Stapelia dummeri, is an unusual succulent with pale grey-green to almost white stems with reddish-purple dots, splotches and lines, and long pointed tubercles. It grows up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall, spreading to form mats up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Stems are roundish, erect, spreading, or decumbent. The hairy flowers are olive-green, borne on short stalks, and appear in summer.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).

How to Grow and Care

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 withdrawal of water during the winter months. A minimum winter temperature of 10°C (50°F) is acceptable, providing that plants are kept dry. A heated growing bench or incubator may help delicate plants to get through 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 compost's surface 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 attack often occurs as a result of damage to stems by insects.

See more at How to Grow and Care for Stapelia.

Origin

This species is native to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Burundi.

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