Scientific Name
Piaranthus geminatus subsp. decorus (Masson) Bruyns
Synonym(s)
Caralluma decora, Ceropegia geminata subsp. decora, Obesia decora, Orbea decora, Piaranthus decorus, Stapelia decora, Stisseria decora
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Piaranthus
Etymology
The specific epithet "geminatus" (pronounced "jem-in-AY-tus") means "paired; occurring in pairs," and it likely refers to the flowers of this species, which often appear in pairs, or to the fruits, which are paired follicles.
The subspecific epithet "decorus" (pronounced "DEK-or-us") means "elegant" or "graceful". It refers to the ornamental, elegant appearance of this subspecies, especially its decorative flowers, rather than simply its overall growth form.
Origin of Piaranthus geminatus subsp. decorus
Piaranthus geminatus subsp. decorus is native to South Africa (Northern Cape and Western Cape).
Description of Piaranthus geminatus subsp. decorus
Piaranthus geminatus subsp. decorus is a succulent plant with 4-angled, tuberculate, green stems that spread over the ground, forming a dense mat. The stems can grow up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and 0.8 inches (2 cm) thick.
Flowers are star-shaped, up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) across, and appear in clusters of up to 5, opening together at branch tips in fall. The corolla is densely hairy, creamy yellow to greenish yellow, with bright to dark red-brown or brown dots, patches, or transverse bands.
How to Grow and Care for Piaranthus geminatus subsp. decorus
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. However, they should be treated as outdoor plants as they will easily rot indoors and cannot flower without exposure to outdoor temperature fluctuations. They should be grown under cover so that watering can be controlled. Stapeliads require a reasonable amount of sunlight to promote flowering and maintain a well-shaped plant. Very shady positions will produce very poor flowering.
These plants come from climates where they survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth is in spring and fall, with flowering in fall when the weather starts to cool down. During the growing season, water is applied moderately as needed, ensuring the soil is fairly dry between waterings. Do not water between late fall and early spring.
The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings, which can be taken year-round. Using seeds is also a method of propagation.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.
Links
- Back to genus Piaranthus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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