Scientific Name
Stapelianthus pilosus Lavranos & D.S. Hardy
Synonym(s)
Trichocaulon decaryi, Ceropegia pilosa
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Stapelianthus
Etymology
The specific epithet "pilosus" (pronounced "pil-OH-sus") means "hairy" or "shaggy" and refers to the tubercles on the stems of this species, which have soft bristles at the tips.
Origin of Stapelianthus pilosus
The native range of Stapelianthus pilosus is in the far south of Madagascar.
Description of Stapelianthus pilosus
Stapelianthus pilosus is a small, highly branched succulent that forms a clump of green to dark brown stems densely covered with tubercles, each tipped with a soft bristle. The stems are erect, ascending, or decumbent, cylindrical, and can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) long and 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter. The tubercles emerge green in spring but quickly assume their bright, eye-catching hues.
The flowers, which have five triangular lobes, are yellow with brown spots and appear in late summer and fall. They can reach a diameter of up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm).
How to Grow and Care for Stapelianthus pilosus
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 25°F (-3.9°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 can withstand extremely high summer temperatures. Most growth occurs in spring and fall, with flowering typically in fall as the weather cools down. In the growing season, give them moderate water, ensuring the soil is dry between waterings. Do not water between late fall and early spring.
The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is by taking stem cuttings, which can be taken virtually year-round. Using seeds is also a method of propagating Stapeliads.
Learn more in "How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads."
Links
- Back to genus Stapelianthus
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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