Scientific Name
Orbea semota subsp. orientalis Bruyns
Accepted Scientific Name
Orbea semota (N.E. Br.) L.C. Leach
Synonym(s)
Orbea orientalis, Ceropegia semota subsp. orientalis
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Orbea
Origin
Orbea semota subsp. orientalis is native to Kenya and Tanzania. It is not recognized as a separate subspecies and is treated as a synonym of Orbea semota.
Description
Orbea semota subsp. orientalis is a much-branched succulent with fleshy, erect or decumbent stems with conical tubercles arranged into four rows along the stem. It is distinguished from Orbea semota subsp. semota by its smaller, dark maroon or brown flowers. The stems can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) thick (excluding teeth).
The flowers appear solitary or in a group of several from any part of the stem from summer to fall. They are star-shaped and reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °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 water withdrawal during the winter months. A minimum winter temperature of 10°C (50°F) is acceptable, providing plants are kept dry. A heated growing bench or incubator may help delicate plants 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 surface prevents moisture from accumulating around the base of stems.
Keeping Stapelias and their roots free of pests such as mealybugs is the real key to success, as fungal attacks often result from damage to stems by insects.
See 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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