Scientific Name
Orbea semota (N.E. Br.) L.C. Leach
Synonym(s)
Ceropegia semota, Stapelia semota
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Orbea
Etymology
The specific epithet "semota" (pronounced "sem-OH-tuh") means "removed," "remote," or "distant," although its exact reference in this species is unclear.
Origin of Orbea semota
Orbea semota is native to Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. It grows on rocky outcrops.
Description of Orbea semota
Orbea semota is a highly branched succulent that forms a mat of thick, fleshy, erect or decumbent stems with stout, conical teeth. The stems can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and root freely in contact with the soil. They can reach a thickness of up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm), not including the stout, conical teeth that grow along them, which can be as long as 0.5 inches (1.2 cm).
The flowers are star-shaped, transversely wrinkled, and appear solitary or in a group of several from any part of the stem from summer to fall, reaching a diameter of up to 2 inches (5 cm). They are dark maroon or brown with yellow marks at the tips or throughout the lobes. The lobes are acute, ovate, and often recurved along the ciliate margins with vibratile club-shaped hairs.
Forms of Orbea semota
- Orbea semota subsp. orientalis (not accepted as a separate subspecies and treated as a synonym of Orbea semota)
- Orbea semota var. lutea (informal name)
How to Grow and Care for Orbea semota
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b: from 40°F (4.4°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 withdrawal of water during the winter months. A minimum winter temperature of 50°F (10°C) is acceptable if 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 compost surface prevents moisture from accumulating around the base of stems.
Keeping Stapelias and their roots free of pests such as mealybugs is crucial, as fungal attacks often occur when insect damage damages stems.
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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