Approximately 80% of all plants on Earth, or about 300,000 different species, grow flowers to reproduce. These plants are called angiosperms. Almost all succulents, with very few exceptions, produce flowers. These plants are often being dependent on environmental factors like rain, temperature or day length to trigger the process. Succulent flowers come in all shapes and sizes, from the minute flowers of Larryleachia to the mysterious, starfish-like formations of Dorstenia. In this blog series, we’ll delve deeper into the world of succulent flowers, and see why they are able to put on one of the greatest displays in nature.
Captivating cacti
Cacti are a large family of spiny succulents native to North and South America. This family of plants is famous for their variety of thorny defense mechanisms. As much as their spines differ between each species, so do their flowers.
Some species, such as Mammillaria, have quite small flowers that are barely visible on the stem. Others like Gymnocalycium, Lophophora and Sulcorebutia produce ‘medium’ sized flowers that are not overly large, but have a variety of interesting colours. Echinopsis stands out above all the rest, and is most likely the showiest of them all. This genus produces extra large flowers, which can be many times larger than the plant itself!
Flower shape and size all depends on what pollinator the plant is trying to attract. A bee will visit many types of flowers, whereas a hummingbird (or sunbird in South Africa) can only drink nectar from a flower that will accommodate its long beak. The flowers are adapted to get as much pollen onto the pollinator as possible, while also providing it with a reward of nutritious nectar.
The flower colour also plays a role, as insects see in different light wavelengths and will perceive some flowers as more attractive.
Rebutia species
Gymnocalycium hybrid
Lophophora jourdaniana
Sulcorebutia canigueralii v. brevispina
Lophophora diffusa
Echinopsis eyriesii
Written by Harry Lewis, succulent specialist & conservationist