Scientific Name
Pseudolithos migiurtinus (Chiov.) P.R.O. Bally
Synonyms
Lithocaulon sphaericum, Pseudolithos sphaericus, White-sloanea migiurtina
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Pseudolithos
Description
Pseudolithos migiurtinus is a rare, succulent plant up to 3.6 inches (9 cm) tall and up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) in diameter. The stems are initially spherical, but eventually become more egg-shaped or even columnar as the plant ages. They bear 4 rows of small, truncated stems, from which the flower buds emerge. The flowers are small, starfish-shaped and deep maroon in color.
Photo via llifle.com
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Stapeliads are relatively easy to grow. They should be treated as an outdoor plant 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. In growing season, water in moderation when needed, making sure soil is fairly dried 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 virtually throughout the year. Seed is also a method of propagation… – See more at: How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads
Origin
Native to Somalia.
Links
- Back to genus Pseudolithos
- Succulentopedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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