The Cheiridopsis genus contains around a hundred species of flowering succulent perennials, all native to the semi-arid regions of far west Namibia and Southern Africa. Their foliage is rated as some of the most bizarre in the succulent world, often resembling rubbery, glacous fingers and growing to around 4 inches, 10 cm in height. Like […]
Crassula are a widely cultivated plant genus with some 350 accepted species, originating almost exclusively from the Eastern Cape area of Southern Africa. Crassula’s have become increasingly popular, most known for the “Crassula ovata” , more commonly named “Jade Plant”. With an impressive variety of succulent plants, collectors are drawn to their easy-care nature, low […]
Echinocereus is a genus of popular specimen plants, containing over 70 species of ribbed, cylindrical and clump-forming cacti. A favourite contender for the specialist collector and much loved around the globe, this genus is most recognised for its tight, colourful spines and breath-taking blooms. When I was told this prickly plant family had some of […]
The Euphorbia Tirucalli is one of over two thousand splendid and diverse plant life within the Euphorbiaceae family. A wide spread family of stem succulents, which have evolved over time and now have many characteristics of cacti. This clever plant adaptation has enabled this genus to survive in some of the harshest of natural habitats, […]
Epiphytic cacti are unlike any other, these have adapted to a life in tropical rainforests of Central and South America, rather than the semi-arid environments where most cacti species are found. Most cacti within this group are found growing in leaf debris and high up on tree branches in the forest canopy, though few are […]
The Euphorbia genus contains a wide and diverse range of ornamental plants, from the smallest of annuals to full grown trees. One of the best-known, though least exciting species is the Poinsettia plant which is always around at Christmas time. Further Euphorbia species, especially those native to Southern Africa and Madagascar, have taken on several […]
“Opuntia” in its botanical name, is a truly unique genus ranging from small, prostrate plants to towering trees. Standing proud in their natural habitat, the most recognised member of the Opuntia family has to be the native South American “Prickly Pear” Cacti. The “Prickly Pear” is sun-loving specimen with flat, rounded pads each generously […]
With a total of more than 100 genera, the botanical Asclepiadaceae family contains few species which fall into the category of “Average”. These spectacular specimens represent a visually unique group of plants that are desirable to the most enthusiastic and dedicated of succulent growers, often presenting a challenge in their care and cultivation. The difficulties […]
Asclepiads are a super-stunning plant family containing over 3000 members. These range from perennial herbaceous plants, woody twining shrubs, stem succulents, lianas and occasionally trees, all belonging to the common “Milk weed”, or botanical “Asclepiadaceae” family. Today I want to take a look at the range of stem-succulents within this fascinating and somewhat eccentric plant […]
Haworthias originate from the landscapes of Southern Africa and are closely related to the Aloe and Gasteria cultivars. Haworthia, Aloe and Gasteria all are members of the Asphodelaceae family. Haworthia plants come in a wide range of forms, colour and textures. Most are rosette forming and relatively small, whilst others form a clump as they […]