Umbelled Caralluma

Family

Asclepiadaceae

Native

India

Description

Caralluma umbellata is an erect, succulent plant up to 12 inches (30 cm) tall, with flowers in terminal umbels. The stems and branches are green and 4-angled. The leaves are borne along the angles, falling off and leaving scars. They are asymmetric, long-pointed and with narrowed base. The flowers are purple with cross stripes and borne in terminal umbel. The fruit is a cylindrical seedpod, green, with small, dark spot, hooked at apex and paired. The seed are flattened, broadly margined, with silky, white hairs.

Environment

Caralluma speciosa is relatively easy to grow. It needs regular watering, especially during the hottest summer days; Either excessive or very scarce watering can induce rot.
Winter temperatures must be kept over 10 � C. But it can withstand winter night-time temperatures down to about 5 �. Freezing temperatures are fatal.
Full sun to half sun. It has a great advantage if grown in very strong light, but sheltered from full sun.
Provide very good ventilation

Landscape Uses

Makes an attractive landscape plant and or container patio plant where some height is needed, being an attractive accent plant, Suited for window sill.