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  Pseudolithos caput-viperae CACTUS ART
NURSERY

Cultivation and Mail Sale
of Cacti and Succulents.


Pseudolithos caput-viperae "head of viper"  (on its own roots!!!)
In the northern hemisphere the "head of viper" is invariably grown grafted, but the fascination of a plant grown on its own roots is beyond any comparison
. In cultivation it needs protection from cold and damp, and requires a 100% mineral substratum.
 


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Family: Asclepiadaceae (Apocynaceae)  (Milkweeds family)

Scientific Name:   Pseudolithos caput-viperae Lavranos.

Distribution:Somalia.

Etymology: The genus name "Pseudolithos" derives from the Greek words “pseudo” meaning “false” and “lithos” meaning “stone, pebble, which refer  to the appearance of the stems.
(The genus name implies: “false stone”).
The species name "caput-viperae" derives from the
Latin 'caput', (head) and Latin 'vipera'  (viper, snake), due to the appearance of the plant.

Description: Small clump-forming stem succulents, perennial, single stemmed or sparsely branched.
Stem: Up to 2 cm high and 1.5-6 cm long (Grafted plant in cultivation may achieve a bigger size) The stem is oval, flattened against the soil with an evident four-sided figure form with rounded angles, and tuberculate,  glabrous, recalling  the head of a viper lying  in the dust. The color may vary from light green (especially for grafted plants in shaded environments) to clear olive/grey or  reddish-brown (in full sun).
Roots: Fibrous.
Flower: In small inflorescences on short shoots scattered over the stem. Each inflorescence comprises about 4-30-flowers (usually 20) , with several flowers that open synchronously. The cluster of flowers is fly pollinated and smells like rotten meat.

 

 

 
Cultivation:  This species
, together with Pseudolithos mccoyi , is one of the most difficult to keep in cultivation. It is almost invariably grown grafted and is considered very tricky to keep alive on its own roots, because mistakes are costly. If rot sets in, there is practically no time, nor warning, before the plant turns to expensive mush. If we follow the right growing tips it is not so difficult as is commonly supposed, but inaccuracies are fatal.  Use 100% mineral soil, don’t bury the base of the plant in the substrate, but place it in a horizontal position on the soil surface. It needs regular watering, especially during the hottest summer days, provide also some light watering  in winter if the green house temperatures are elevated. Either excessive and very scarce watering can induce rot.
Frost Tolerance:  Winter temperatures must be kept over 10° C. ( But
it can withstand a winter night temperature of around 5°, or less for short periods )
Sun Exposure: It take
s great advantage if grown in very strong light but sheltered from full sun.
Special cultural practices: Provide
very good ventilation. This plant is a candidate for under-potting, as long as you keep it watered.

 Propagation: Usually grafted or by seeds that are however seldom available.

 

Photo gallery: Alphabetical listing of Cactus and Succulent pictures published in this site.

Photo gallery PSEUDOLITHOS

 
 

Home | E-mail | Plant files | Mail Sale Catalogue | Links | Information | Search

All the information and photos in cactus art files are now available also in the new the Encyclopaedia of Succulents. We hope you find this new site informative and useful.