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Brachystelma tuberosum

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Found this plant at Grootscholten.


My attempt to make a photo of the caudex. 

 

Author:  Robert Brown, 1822
Family:  ASCLEPIADACEAE*
Origin:  Southern South Africa
Soil:  Mix
Water:  Medium
Sun:  Medium - Maximum
Thickness:  5 Centimetres
Height:  15 Centimetres
Flower:  Dark Brown
Propagate:  Seeds/Cuttings
Names:  -
Synonyms:  Might be: Ceropegia spathulata, Bruyns, 2017.
Stapelia tuberosa
Meerburgh, 1789.
Brachystelma caudatum, N.E.Br. ex K.Schum..
Brachystelma crispum, Graham.
Brachystelma spathulatum, Lindl.
Brachystelma tuberosum, R.Br.
Stapelia caudata, Thunb.

This member of the Asclepiadaceae* family was given this name by Robert Brown in 1822. It is found in southern South Africa, growing in a well drained soil with some water and some to lots of sun. The caudex can grow to five centimetres, the branches to fifteen centimetres length. The flowers are dark brown with small white hairs.

The genera name from Greek; brachys  meaning 'short', and stelma means 'crown, garland, wreath'; alluding to the short staminal corona of some species. The species name referring to the swollen root - which turned out to be quite common in that genera!

*)Accordantly to the latest taxonomic system; APG IV 2016, Asclepiadaceae is now part of the Apocynaceae.


The flower by Chris Moore, Asclepiad-exhibition.org.