Caralluma acutangula / 5 seeds

Formed of densely positioned robust branches with a large globular mass of purplish black flowers on tips of each branch, Caralluma acutangula is a cactus-like perennial succulent highly sought after among collectors for its unique appearance.

It’s native to East and West Africa and occurs in lowlands and rocky hill and slopes in drier deciduous bushland. It grows in microhabitats between rocks and beneath shrubs. It tends to associate with the shade provided by other plants, probably because of seedling establishment in shaded places, where it can get moisture and protection from heat and high irradiance. Caralluma acutangula grows around 40-100 cm tall and is one of the largest stapeliads. Stems of Caralluma acutangula are 40 to 150 cm tall and 2 to 5 cm broad, pale green to whitish, smooth, and 4-angled. Angles are very acute and prominent with very concave sides. It has acute tubercles that are broadly triangular and bent downwards. Flowers are star-shaped, velvety and purple-black in color and are produced in large clusters crowded in the form of dark globose heads on stem tips. All flowers open at the same time and emit foetid scent similar to rotten meat. Fruits are up to 14 cm long and 1 cm in diameter containing brown seeds around 11×8 mm in size.

Caralluma acutangula is a relatively easy to grow succulent. It requires full to half sun and is highly benefitted if grown in very strong light but sheltered from full sun. It needs regular watering, particularly if the temperature is the highest on summer days and also during winter if the greenhouse temperature has gone up. Excessive as well as very scarce watering can induce rot. Water moderately, but only when the soil is completely dry. Soil should be well-draining and water should not stagnate. It’s enough to water once a week in spring and summer, and once in two months in fall and winter. It needs winter temperature to be over 10-degree C. however, it can tolerate winter night-time temperatures as low as around 5-degree C or less for short periods. But freezing temperatures are fatal. It highly benefits from very strong light, but should be sheltered from full sun.

Pollination is mainly performed by insects like butterflies, moths, flies and crab spiders.

Caralluma acutangula doesn’t need frequent fertilization. It’s enough to apply fertilizer diluted with water once a year.

Caralluma acutangula needs to be repotted to replenish the soil’s nutrients. You should repot it when it doubles in size or once a year, whichever happens first.

Caralluma acutangula can be propagated by seeds and cuttings. You can expect seeds to germinate within 3-4 weeks to one month.