Scientific Name
Pseudolithos migiurtinus (Chiov.) P.R.O. Bally
Synonym(s)
Ceropegia migiurtina, Lithocaulon sphaericum, Pseudolithos sphaericus, White-sloanea migiurtina
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Pseudolithos
Etymology
The specific epithet "migiurtinus" (pronounced "mij-er-TEE-nus") means "of or pertaining to Migiurtinia" and refers to the origin of this species, the former Majeerteen Sultanate🡕 (also known as Migiurtinia) in northeastern Somalia.
Origin
Pseudolithos migiurtinus is native to northeastern Somalia.
Description
Pseudolithos migiurtinus is a dwarf succulent with a knobbly, leafless, usually solitary stem that has roundish tessellations. The stem can reach up to 4.8 inches (12 cm) in height and 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) in diameter, initially subspherical, pyramidal, four-angled, or cylindrical with age. It varies in color from light green to reddish-brown.
The stem angles bear four vertical lines of smaller, protruding tessellations, from which arise short, subspherical-to-cylindrical lateral shoots bearing clusters of cupule-shaped flowers that appear in spring and fall. The flowers are dark red to dark maroon and up to 0.3 inches (0.7 cm) in diameter. The fruits are paired follicles with tiny dark brown seeds. They can grow up to 3.2 inches (8 cm) long.
How to Grow and Care for Pseudolithos migiurtinus
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 11a to 11b: from 40°F (4.4°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. They require a reasonable amount of sunlight to promote flowering and maintain a well-shaped plant. Very shady positions will produce very poor flowering.
Stapeliads come from climates where they survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth is in spring and autumn, with flowering in autumn when the weather starts to cool down. Water in moderation when needed in the growing season, ensuring the soil is fairly dry out between waterings. Do not water between November 1 and March 1. Fertilize lightly, if at all, to prevent overly lush and weak stems.
The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings, which can be taken year-round. Seed is also a method of propagation.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.
Links
- Back to genus Pseudolithos
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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