Scientific Name
Tridentea gemmiflora (Masson) Haw.
Synonym(s)
Ceropegia gemmiflora, Stapelia gemmiflora, Stisseria gemmiflora
Common Name(s)
Black Carrion Flower, Twin-flowered Tridentea
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Genus: Tridentea
Etymology
The specific epithet "gemmiflora" (pronounced "jem-MIH-flor-uh") means "bud-flowered; having bud-like flowers." Although this species is commonly known as "Twin-flowered Tridentea," the epithet "gemmiflora" is derived from Latin gemma, which means "bud", rather than geminus, which means "twin." The common name likely reflects a later reinterpretation of the specific epithet.
Origin
Tridentea gemmiflora is native to South Africa. It grows in red sandy soil in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and North West provinces.
Description
Tridentea gemmiflora is a small succulent that forms dense clumps of erect stems with four angles lined with tubercles ending in long, finely-pointed rudimentary leaves. The stems are fleshy, greyish-green, and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) thick. The leaves can measure up to 4 inches (1 cm) in length.
In the fall, Tridentea gemmiflora produces inflorescences with 1 to 4 flowers developing successively on a stalk, measuring up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) long, near the base of the stems. Each flower is attached to the inflorescence by a stalk up to 2 inches (5 cm) long. The corolla can reach a diameter of 4 inches (10 cm). On the inside, it is brown to purple-black, irregularly mottled with yellowish, and has five spreading lobes with marginal cilia. The corona is yellow, heavily marked with dark purple.
How to Grow and Care for Tridentea gemmiflora
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 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. 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 that survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth is in spring and autumn, with flowering in autumn when the weather cools down. Water in moderation when needed during the growing season, ensuring the soil is fairly dry between waterings. Do not water between November 1 and March 1.
The easiest and best way to propagate Stapeliads is from stem cuttings, which can be taken year-round. Using seeds is also a method of propagation.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.
Links
- Back to genus Tridentea
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
Photo Gallery
Click on a photo to see a larger version.
