These plants are locally grown from seed at the Living Desert Plants nursery.
Where it grows
Dorstenia foetida occupies a wide variety of habitats and areas in both Africa and Eurasia, including Ethiopia and Tanzania in the former, and Yemen and Oman in the latter.
Special features
It is a caudex succulent plant that can grow up to 40cm tall with many branches. The stems are covered in round scars called petioles, where older leaves that have since fallen off were attached to the stem. They make some of the strangest flowers in the succulent world, which are starfish-shaped and yellow. The seeds are small, and will be ejected from the flower as it ripens. Dorstenia foetida tends to be self fertile and produces seeds easily without need for hand pollination.
These particular specimens are variegated, with yellow, paint-like markings on the leaves.
Care Guide
Dorstenia foetida is sensitive to too much light and should be kept under 60% shade cloth at minimum. An airy soil mix is ideal as they are quite susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Adding pumice and akadama to the mix is a good option. Water well in spring and summer, but keep almost completely dry in winter.
Growing season
Spring and summer.
Propagation
Seeds and cuttings.