Only Quaqua incarnata subsp. hottentotorum is found in Namibia among the three recognized subspecies of Quaqua incarnata.
Scientific Name
Quaqua incarnata subsp. hottentotorum (N.E.Br.) Bruyns
Synonym(s)
Caralluma hottentotorum, Ceropegia incarnata subsp. hottentotorum, Quaqua hottentotorum
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Quaqua
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "hottentotorum (hot-en-TOT-or-um) possibly refers to the Hottentots Holland Mountains, part of the Cape Fold Belt in the Western Cape of South Africa.
Origin
The native range of Quaqua incarnata subsp. tentaculata is from Bitterfontein in the Western Cape province of South Africa and north into southwestern Namibia. It grows on stony, often steep ground among scattered low shrubs at elevations from 1,970 to 5,250 feet (600 to 1,600 m).
Description
Quaqua incarnata subsp. hottentotorum is a small succulent that forms a clump of 4-angled stems with conical tubercles, each tipped with a sharp tooth. The stems are decumbent and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 1.3 inches (3.2 cm) thick. They range in color from grayish-green to purplish or brown when exposed to intense sunlight.
In the fall, the plant produces inflorescences with 3 to 10 flowers that often open simultaneously towards the stem tips. The flowers can reach up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The corolla is pale pink to whitish on the outside and cream-colored to pale yellow on the inside. There are stiff bristles in the mouth of the tube and around the base of the lobes. The corolla lobes are lance-shaped, ascending to spreading, and have margins reflexed for at least half-length. The tube is deeply bowl-shaped with a definite edge around the mouth. The corona is yellow and raised on a short stalk.
How to Grow and Care for Quaqua incarnata subsp. hottentotorum
Light: Quaqua incarnata subsp. hottentotorum prefers full sun but will benefit from light shade during the hottest summer days. Indoors, place the plant near the brightest window of your home because it will stretch if it does not receive enough sunlight. Avoid abruptly moving a plant adapted to lower light levels to full sun to prevent sunburn.
Soil: Use commercial potting soil mix for succulents or prepare your own with 50 to 70 % mineral grit, such as coarse sand, pumice, or perlite.
Temperature: The plant thrives in warm outdoor environments with low to moderate humidity. It does not like winter cold and should remain fairly dry and warm during its dormancy. Quaqua incarnata subsp. hottentotorum grows best in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 11a to 11b, with average minimum winter temperatures ranging from 40 to 50 °F (4.4 to 10 °C).
Watering: It has typical watering needs for a succulent. During the growing season, from spring to fall, water the plant thoroughly and allow the soil to dry between waterings. When it goes dormant in winter, it needs almost no water, about once a month.
Fertilizing: In order to keep the plant healthy and thriving, fertilization is a good idea. Feed it with water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength, but only when the plant is actively growing.
Repotting: Repot Quaqua incarnata subsp. hottentotorum in spring, just before the growing season. It has shallow roots and does not require too much soil to grow. Always pick a container with drainage holes.
Propagation: The best way to propagate this succulent is from stem cuttings. To ensure good rooting, take cuttings during the growing season. The plant is also easy to start from seeds in spring.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.
Toxicity of Quaqua incarnata subsp. hottentotorum
Quaqua incarnata subsp. hottentotorum has no toxic effects reported, so it is safe for growing around kids and pets.
Links
- Back to genus Quaqua
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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