22/12/2024
Variegated Huernia
H. variegata is native to Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia
H. variegata is a succulent belonging to the Asclepiadaceae botanical family. The plant has a clustered stem that can be erect or ascending. The stem is pale green, fleshy, thick, quadrangular arranged in ribs strongly toothed along the margins with tubercles 3 mm long. The stem of the succulent can reach 15 cm in height and 2 cm in diameter. Blooming occurs in Autumn and blossom are borne on short peduncle. Flowers are bell-shaped, facing upwards, five-pointed star shaped. The plant produces one to four flowers at the same time. Flowers are dull yellow colored with a dense mottling of brown spots or bands. The stem can change hue depending on sun-exposure and climate conditions. The flower gives off an unpleasant smell that resembles the smell of a carcass but which is useful for attracting flies and promoting pollination.
