Orbea wissmannii subsp. parviloba

Scientific Name

Orbea wissmannii subsp. parviloba (Bruyns) Mosti & Raffaelli

Synonym(s)

Orbea parviloba, Orbea wissmannii v. parviloba, Angolluma parviloba, Ceropegia wissmannii subsp. parviloba

Scientific Classification

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

Description

Orbea wissmannii subsp. parviloba is similar to Orbea wissmannii subsp. wissmannii but has thinner corolla lobes. The corona is yellow (sometimes tinged with red), with outer lobes forming a pouch. The corolla lobes are pale yellow, covered with white hairs, and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long. Pedicels are up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long.

Hardiness

USDA hardiness zone 9b to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °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 that plants are kept absolutely 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 surface of the compost prevents moisture from accumulating around the base of the 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.

Origin

This subspecies is native to Yemen.