Scientific Name
White-sloanea crassa (N.E.Br.) Chiov.
While the hyphen is often omitted, the correct generic name is White-sloanea.
Synonym(s)
Caralluma crassa, Ceropegia crassa, Drakebrockmania crassa
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Stapeliae
Genus: White-sloanea
Etymology
The specific epithet "crassa" (pronounced "KRASS-uh") means "thick," "dense," or "solid" and refers to the thick, fleshy, and robust stem of this species.
Origin
White-sloanea crassa is native to northern Somalia.
Description
White-sloanea crassa is a small, unusual succulent with a 4-angled, typically solitary stem that can grow up to 5 inches (13 cm) tall.
The inflorescences are produced in vertical rows along the ribs near the stem base at ground level, often along every angle, from a short, deciduous, fleshy peduncle. The flowers are showy, cream to light yellow, and dotted with dark red-brown. They are bell-shaped to deeply funnel-shaped and can reach 0.8 inches (2 cm) in length and 1.2 inches (3 cm) in diameter.
How to Grow and Care for White-sloanea crassa
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°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 where they survive extremely high temperatures in the summer months, so most growth is in spring and autumn, with flowering in autumn when the weather starts to cool down. Water in moderation as needed during the growing season, keeping the soil 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 seed is also a method of propagation.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Stapeliads.
Links
- Back to genus White-sloanea
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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