Orbea semota

Scientific Name

Orbea semota (N.E. Br.) L.C. Leach

Synonym(s)

Ceropegia semota, Ceropegia semota subsp. semota, Stapelia discoidea, Stapelia kagerensis, Stapelia molonyae, Stapelia semota

Scientific Classification

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

Origin

This species is native to Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. It grows on rocky outcrops.

Description

Orbea semota is a much-branched succulent that forms a mat of thick, fleshy, erect or procumbent stems with stout conical teeth. The stems grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long, rooting freely in contact with the soil. They are 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) across, excluding teeth. The teeth are stout, conical, and up to 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) long. Flowers are star-shaped, transversely wrinkled, up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, and appear solitary or in a group of several from any part of the stem from summer to fall. 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 margin with vibratile club-shaped hairs.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zones 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 50 °F (10 °C) is acceptable if 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 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 attack often occurs due to damage to stems by an insect.

Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Stapelia.

Subspecies and Varieties

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