2026/08/09

Dorstenia horwoodii x foetida

Acquiredabout 1 month ago8/8/2026

Notes

Thriving in warm conditions, this hybrid wakes up in spring to produce foliage and its bizarre year-round blooms, storing vital moisture in its swollen caudex. In a mild coastal climate like Zone 10b, it performs exceptionally well outdoors under the bright, filtered diffusion of a shade house, which protects its leaves from scorching while maintaining the warmth it loves. Unlike strict desert cacti, Dorstenia prefers slightly more moisture and a richer, organic-infused yet fast-draining substrate (such as pumice mixed with quality potting loam). Water regularly when actively growing in the warm summer months, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings, and reduce moisture during the cooler winter months when it may partially drop its leaves.

Origin

Somalia and Kenya (with hybrid origin in cultivation). This fascinating, unusual caudiciform succulent is an artificial or selected hybrid between Dorstenia horwoodii (native to the limestone cliffs and rocky pockets of northern Somalia) and Dorstenia foetida (widespread across East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula). It develops a swollen, sculptural underground or partially exposed woody caudex that stores water to survive severe drought. The stems are semi-succulent and support dark green, wavy-edged leaves. Its most defining and bizarre feature is the strange, saucer- or fan-shaped inflorescence called a coenanthium—complete with tiny, radiating tentacle-like appendages that give it an alien, flower-like appearance, followed by explosive seed capsules that fling ripe seeds across the surrounding area.

Note: Coordinates indicate a general region for educational purposes and are not exact locations. Please do not use them for collection or poaching.