Orbea taitica was described in 2002 by Peter Vincent Bruyns in his Monograph of Orbea and Ballyanthus, based on a plant that was collected by Quentin Luke.
Scientific Name
Orbea taitica Bruyns
Synonym(s)
Angolluma taitica, Ceropegia taitica
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Orbea
Etymology
The specific epithet "taitica (pronounced TAY-tee-ka)" refers to the Taita Hills, the origin of this species.
Origin
Orbea taitica is native to Kenya. It was discovered on Bura Mountain in the Taita Hills range to the west of the Nairobi-Mombasa road.
Description
Orbea taitica, also known as Angolluma taitica, is a small succulent with green stems mottled with darker green and purple-brown hues. The stems can be either erect or procumbent and have conical tubercles arranged into four rows along the length of the stem, with grooves separating each row. The tubercles taper into sharp, slightly flattened teeth.
In the fall, Orbea taitica produces small, velvety flowers that are dark red to maroon in color and have five lobes. The fruits are paired follicles with purple-brown streaks, resembling two horns. They contain brown seeds that are tightly packed and topped with long, white hairs.
How to Grow and Care for Orbea taitica
Light: Orbea taitica thrives in full sun or partial shade during the hottest summer days. Too much sun causes the stems to develop a protective pigmentation or get sunburned. Not enough light leads to weak, thin stems and fewer flowers. Indoors, place the plant near a sunny window in your home.
Soil: The right soil is crucial to growing a healthy plant. Use commercial soil for succulents, or prepare your own mix with 50 to 70 % mineral grit, such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite.
Temperature: This plant thrives in warm outdoor environments but does not like winter cold and should remain moderately dry and warm during its winter dormancy. Orbea taitica grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 40 to 50 °F (4.4 to 10 °C).
Watering: It has typical watering needs for a succulent. During the growing season, water your plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry before watering again. The plant goes dormant in winter and needs almost no water, about once a month.
Fertilizing: To keep it thriving, fertilization during the growing season is a good idea. Feed with water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength.
Repotting: Orbea taitica will benefit from fresh potting soil every 2 or 3 years. Repot it in spring, just before the growing season starts. Pick a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: The best way to propagate this succulent is by stem cuttings. It is also easy to grow from seeds. Take cuttings during the growing season to ensure good rooting. Sow the seeds in spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Stapelia.
Toxicity of Orbea taitica
Orbea taitica 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
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