|
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.
|
Advertising
|
|
. |
|
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 takes 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.
|
|