Leaves of the AsclepiadĪs a rule, stem succulents generally don’t have leaves – or don’t have what we would call a leaf structure. Others have less-offensive odours, but what they all have in common is they use their flower shape and fragrance to achieve the ultimate goal of pollination and therefore, reproduction. Some genera have fragrant flowers, (though not often of a very pleasant smell). The Stapeliad genus have more than a few unique and remarkable corolla examples, which we will discuss a little later. All the petals of a flower are collectively known as the “corolla”. Regardless of size, all have similar trademark star-shaped corollas, commonly with five points. At the top end of the scale, the Stapelia gigantea species have the largest succulent flowers throughout the entire succulent world.

The flowers of the Asclepiad stem succulents are both unusual and spectacular, ranging in size from just a few millimetres up to a vast 16 inches in diameter, (40 cm). There are, however, some species which have 6 or even more than 30 angles per stem, such as those in the Hoodia genus. The structure of specifically Stapeliad stems are often four angled in a cross-section. Once cut, stems of many species exudes a milky sap substance, hence their common name of “Milk weed”. Natively, these are found in the most southern part of the Iberian Peninsula. Several more are found in the dryer areas of Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Nepal and Myanmar, though only one species is endemic to Europe known as the “ Caralluma Europa”. Several species are endemic to Yemen in the Arabian Peninsula and further concentrations are found in a small island called Socotra, located off the Horn of Africa. In particular, Africa has two areas where the Stapeliad genus have most diversified, these being the Southern and North Eastern regions. Members of these fascinating families are natively found in countries with warm, dry climates, such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Some of the most likely subjects you will come across include Brachystelma, Ceropegia, Duvalia, Huernia, Stapelia and Orbea, to name just a few. There are many genera and species, but these are relatively rare and few are seen for sale, except from specialist sources. Stem succulents are plant life which have adapted over time to survive in their home environments, often resembling species from the Cacti family, though they are only distantly related. Today I want to take a look at the range of stem-succulents within this fascinating and somewhat eccentric plant family. These range from perennial herbaceous plants, woody twining shrubs, stem succulents, lianas and occasionally trees, all belonging to the common “Milk weed”, or botanical “Asclepiadaceae” family. Asclepiads are a super-stunning plant family containing over 3000 members.

Quaqua island