Scientific Name
Orbea wissmannii subsp. parviloba (Bruyns) Mosti & Raffaelli
Synonym(s)
Angolluma parviloba, Ceropegia wissmannii subsp. parviloba, Orbea parviloba, Orbea wissmannii var. parviloba
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Orbea
Description
Orbea wissmannii subsp. parviloba, also known as Orbea parviloba, is a low-growing succulent with erect to ascending, gray-green stems often mottled with brown or purple. The fleshy stems can grow up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) long and have four angles lined with prominent conical tubercles. This subspecies has thinner corolla lobes than Orbea wissmannii subsp. wissmannii.
The flowers are deeply and narrowly lobed, reach a diameter of 10 inches (25 cm), and appear on 0.4 inches (1 cm) long stalks in late summer or fall. The corolla lobes are pale yellow, covered with white hairs, and up to 0.4 inches (1 cm) long. The corona is yellow, sometimes tinged with red.
Origin
Orbea wissmannii subsp. parviloba is native to Yemen.
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 soil is kept absolutely 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 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 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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