This largely tropical genus is popular among succulent collectors for the more xeric species which are indeed succulent. Dorstenia barnimiana is a miniature with a succulent caudex that develops a Jabba the Hutt-like character with age. However, the caudex is often hidden beneath the palmately-veined, orbicular leaves that can grow up to three inches in diameter. The odd inflorescences are typical of the genus but are also distinctive in their elongated structure that evokes a spearhead or some kind of medieval weapon. Given the tropical tendencies of the genus, even the more xeric species respond well to warm, moist conditions. D. barnimiana is widespread from tropical west Africa to Yemen and Zambia. It reseeds itself prolifically in our propagation house, which affords this offering. HBG 136976 from Dylan Hannon, the Huntington’s Curator of Conservatory and Tropical Collections. $10.
Published in the Cactus and Succulent Journal, Vol. 94 (2), Summer 2022