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Dorstenia crispa (Dorstenia crispa)

Dorstenia crispa is a succulent, caudiciform herb with a fleshy stem. It is reported to be perennial.

LightBright shade is generally reported for light conditions.
TemperatureWith few sources, the reported minimum temperature is about 0 °C. It is generally described as frost tender; keep above freezing.
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Dorstenia crispa illustration

Overview

Dorstenia crispa is a succulent, caudiciform herb with a fleshy stem. It is reported to be perennial.

Origin and habitat

Sources differ on its native range, which is described as Somalia and Kenya. The genus Dorstenia is reported to include terrestrial, rock-growing, and epiphytic growth forms. Species of Dorstenia are reported to occur mainly in tropical Africa and the Neotropics.

Characteristics

With few sources, mature height is reported to be about 0–40 cm. The leaves are reported to reach a limited length, and the fleshy stem is reported to attain a modest height. In Dorstenia, tiny unisexual flowers are reported to be densely arranged on a disc- or cup-shaped receptacle, forming a distinctive pseudanthium that can be green, yellow, red, purple, or brown. Dorstenia is reported to have drupe-like fruits embedded in the receptacle, with seeds mechanically ejected when mature.

Light

Bright shade is generally reported for light conditions.

Temperature and dormancy

With few sources, the reported minimum temperature is about 0 °C. It is generally described as frost tender; keep above freezing.

Propagation

Propagation is generally reported to be by seeds.

Identification

Dorstenia crispa has a fleshy stem, while a characteristic feature of Dorstenia is its distinctive disc-shaped inflorescence composed of many tiny flowers.

Sources