Publication: J. Cact. Succ. Soc. Amer. 8: 9 1936
Description
Huernia whitesloaneana is a an attractive miniature species that grow in colonies.
Derivation of specific name: Huernia whitesloaneana is named in honour of Messrs. Alain White and Boyd Sloane, who have done so much to further knowledge of the Stapelieae by the publication, in joint authorship, of 2 well-illustrated books on these plants.
Stems: Purplish-green, growing no taller than 3 cm (or more under cultivation), four- to five-angled with rounded projections (tubercles) along the ridges.
Flowers: Tiny, bell-shaped, only about 1 cm across, cream, with maroon mottling. They are smooth on the outer surface but with minute, pimple-like bodies (papillae) on the inside. Though small, they still smell foul. The blooms face upwards when produced within the clump, but outwards if formed on the colony edge, for they find support on the ground.
Blooming season: Flowering occurs during mid-summer.
Origin and Habitat
Huernia whitesloaneana is found only in the Northern Province of South Africa (Limpopo: Soutpansberg and Blouberg). This localized taxon is fairly common and occurs in a habitat where it is not threatened.
Habitat and Ecology: This species is found in grassland and Savanna on exposed sites on in pockets of sandy soil on the tops sandstone rocky outcrops or in rock crevices, often in association with Euphorbias.
Cultivation and Propagation
Very easy to grow, it needs light shade to full sun (but tolerate shadow), very resistant to heat will also tolerate quite cold temperatures but avoid frost, best in a ventilated environment. It is quite resistant to the “Balck spot” disease of Asclepiads, Water regularly during the growing season, keep dry in winter. Use a gritty, well-drained soil.
Propagation: It is easily propagated by removing a cutting, sometimes with roots attached, in spring and summer, but seeds germinate readily if they are sown when fresh.
Bibliography
Major references and further lectures
-
Gideon Smith, Neil R. Crouch “Guide to Succulents of Southern Africa” Struik Nature, 2009
-
Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2009. Huernia whitesloaneana Nel. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2014.1. Accessed on 2015/02/10
-
Bruyns, P.V. 2005. “Stapeliads of southern Africa and Madagascar”. (Vol. 1, pp. 1-330). Umdaus Press, Pretoria.
-
Raimondo, D., von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. and Manyama, P.A. 2009. “Red List of South African Plants.” Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
