Scientific Name
Tavaresia barklyi (Dyer) N.E.Br.
Common Name(s)
Thimble Flower, Devil's Trumpet
Synonym(s)
Decabelone barklyi, Decabelone grandiflora, Euphorbia antunesii
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Tavaresia
Description
Tavaresia barklyi is a succulent plant with erect blue-green stems covered with tubercles tipped with three sharp bristles. The stems are cylindrical, 10- to 12-ribbed, up to 2.4 inches (6 cm) tall, and up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. The showy flowers are tubular to trumpet-shaped, up to 4.4 inches (11 cm) long, up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, and arise from the base of the stems. They are pale yellow, yellowish-pink, or cream-colored, with dark red spots and streaks on the outside, darker on the inside, and almost fully maroon to purple at the base inside.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 11a to 11b: from 40 °F (+4.4 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Tavaresias are mainly grown by plant collectors, lovers of succulents, and enthusiasts who enjoy growing unorthodox-looking plants. They come from summer rainfall areas and are intolerant of excess water, humidity, low winter temperatures, and easily destroyed molds. Flower buds drop off easily in response to the slightest touch or unfavorable conditions. Tavaresias prefer light shade rather than full sun, although stems may not color up under shady conditions. Тhese succulents grow well in light gritty soil with very liberal drainage.
Plants are usually increased by cuttings, which, as they are very succulent, should be allowed to dry a week after they are taken off, when they may once be put singly into pots. Grafting the Tavaresia on Stapelias is often useful and can be recommended.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Tavaresia.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
Links
- Back to genus Tavaresia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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