Scientific Name
Orbea laticorona (M.G.Gilbert) Bruyns
Synonym(s)
Angolluma laticorona, Caralluma sprengeri subsp. laticorona, Ceropegia laticorona, Pachycymbium laticorona
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Orbea
Etymology
The specific epithet "laticorona (pronounced lat-ee-kor-OH-nuh)" means "wide crown" and refers to the broad dark brown corona of the flowers.
Origin
The native range of Orbea laticorona extends from central Ethiopia to the northeastern corner of Sudan. It grows in black soils on calcareous patches of volcanic origin, in flat areas, and on slopes at elevations between 4,590 and 6,560 feet (1,400 and 2,000 m).
Description
Orbea laticorona is a low-growing succulent with fleshy, decumbent, branching stems with prominent conical tubercles joined into four thick, continuous angles along the stem. It can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall. The stems are pale green mottled with dark green to reddish-brown.
The star-shaped flowers can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter and appear in clusters of up to 6, simultaneously opening from a short, thick stalk, usually arising around the upper part of the branches in summer and fall. The corolla is medium to light brown with ovate, spreading to somewhat curved backward lobes. The corona is about 0.3 inches (0.8 cm) in diameter, dark brown, covered entirely with glistening nectar, and has a conspicuously thickened rim.
How to Grow and Care for Orbea laticorona
Light: O. laticorona thrives in full sun or partial shade during the hottest summer days. Too much sun causes stems to develop protective pigmentation or get sunburned, while too little light leads to weak, thin stems and decreased flower production. Indoors, place the plant near the brightest window in your home.
Soil: The right soil is crucial to successfully growing O. laticorona. 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: This plant thrives in warm outdoor environments with low to moderate humidity. It does not like winter cold and should remain fairly dry and warm during its winter dormancy. O. laticorona can withstand temperatures as low as 40 °F (4.4 °C). USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11a to 11b, 40 to 50 °F (4.4 to 10 °C).
Watering: O. laticorona has typical watering needs for a succulent. During the growing season, water your plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry between waterings. In winter, the plant goes dormant and needs almost no water, about once a month.
Fertilizing: To keep your plant healthy and thriving, fertilization during the growing season is a good idea. Feed with water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: O. laticorona will benefit from fresh potting soil every 2 or 3 years. Repot your plant in spring, just before the growing season. Pick a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: The best way to propagate this succulent is by stem cuttings. Take cuttings during the growing season to ensure good rooting. O. laticorona is also easy to grow from seeds. Sow the seeds in spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Stapelia.
Toxicity of Orbea laticorona
O. laticorona has no toxic effects reported. It is safe around pets and humans.
Links
- Back to genus Orbea
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
