Scientific Name
Tromotriche revoluta var. tigrida (Decne.) P.V.Heath
Accepted Scientific Name
Tromotriche revoluta (Masson) Haw.
Common Name(s)
Revolute-flowered Tromotriche
Synonym(s)
Stapelia revoluta var. tigrida, Stapelia tigridia
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Ceropegieae
Subtribe: Stapeliinae
Genus: Tromotriche
Description
Tromotriche revoluta var. trigrida is a small succulent with grey-green, sparingly branched, acutely 4-angled stems with small, sharply-pointed teeth along the angles. It spreads underground via rhizomes to a diameter of 3.3 feet (1 m). The fleshy stems can grow 18 inches (45 cm) long and 1.2 inches (3 cm) thick, initially erect, becoming decumbent with age.
It is distinguished from Tromotriche revoluta by corolla lobes patterned with conspicuous maroon to reddish-brown and light yellow concentric stripes that vary in color intensity. The flowers emerge from the sides of the upper parts of the stems, developing successively in fall.
Origin
Tromotriche revoluta var. tigrida is native to South Africa. It is not accepted as a variety and is listed as a synonym of Tromotriche revoluta.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 9a to 11b: from 25 °F (−3.9 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
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 where they survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth is in spring and fall, with flowering in fall when the weather starts to cool down. In the growing season, water in moderation when needed, ensuring soil is fairly dried out between waterings. Do not water in winter.
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.
Links
- Back to genus Tromotriche
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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