Publication: Excelsa Taxon. Ser. 4: 139. 1988
Description
Huernia zebrina subs. magniflora is a more xerophytic form distingushed from subs. zebrina by its flowers that are are twice the size of those of the typical subspecies, up to 85 mm across, and for the 4-angled stems which are taller, irregularly branching and not mat-forming. It is one of the most beautifully flowering huernias and very popular in cultivation for its odd blooms. It has a raised, glossy, wine-red ring or ‘annulus’ around the mouth of the corolla tube. The corolla varies in size and is usually patterned with wine-red zebra stripes which vary conspicuously in colour intensity. The blooms are also very shiny and may look like plastic, but it’s for real. One of the so-called “lifebuoy” huernias because of the glossy raised annulus.
Notes: In more recent literature subs. magniflora is generally no longer considered taxonomically distinct from subs. zebrina (eg. Bruyns 2005) because at many places intermediate populations can be found. A definite population consists of a collection of variable forms.
Stems: Deflexed-decumbent or decumbent-erect, laxly branched, tapering, prominently 4- (to 5-) angled, and irregularly branching, up to 8 cm long,12 mm in diameter and strongly toothed. Teeth 4,5 mm long.
Inflorescence: Few-flowered on a 12- 14 mm long peduncle.
Flowers: The flower is anything up to 8,5 cm (usually 6-7 cm) in diameter, star-shaped, the prominent shiny annulus is glossy red to purple-brown, marked or unmarked, the 5 corolla lobes are acuminate, greenish-yellow with red to purple cross-zebra-stripes; both sides glabrous. As with other plants of the genus, H. zebrina has a small intermediate lobe. Sepals 6-8 mm. Frequently the flowers are larger than the plant itself and emit the smell of carrion. The rotting flesh odour attracts flies who transfer the pollen as they search from flower to flower for the non-existent rotting meat.
Origin and Habitat
Huernia zebrina subs. magniflora occurs throughout the Limpopo catchment area in the Northcm Province, in Zimbabwe and in Namibia.
Altitudes: It occurs at low altitudes.
Habitat: Open dry scrubland, in stony areas, often in calcrete or hard loamy soils.
Cultivation and Propagation
Huernia zebrina subs. magniflora isn’t difficult to grow and flower. Both subspecies require a very draining substrate with a big portion of sharp sand or perlite or pumice. They need winter temperature over 10 °C and they need very careful watering during warm days. As with other stapeliads, the most dangerous diseases and pests are black rot and mealy bugs. The easiest way of propagation is by rooting stem cuttings or by sowing, if seeds are available. Half shade in Summer.
Bibliography
Major refrerences and further lectures
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Focke Albers, Ulrich Meve “Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Asclepiadaceae” Volume 4 Springer, 2002
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A.C.White & B.Sloane “Stapelieae” ( White & Sloane) ed. 2 3: 855 Abbey San Encino Press, 1937
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Luckhoff “The Stapelieae of Southern Africa” Capetown, A.A. Balkema 1952
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Bruyns, P.V. 2005. “Stapeliads of southern Africa and Madagascar.” Vol. II. Umdaus Press, Hatfield.
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James Cullen, Sabina G. Knees, H. Suzanne Cubey “The European Garden Flora Flowering Plants: A Manual for the Identification of Plants Cultivated in Europe, Both Out-of-Doors and Under Glass” Cambridge University Press, 11/ago/2011
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Gideon Smith, Neil R. Crouch “Guide to Succulents of Southern Africa” Struik Nature, 01/nov/2009
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Doreen Court “Succulent Flora of Southern Africa” CRC Press, 01/giu/2000
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Werner Rauh “The Wonderful World of Succulents: Cultivation and Description of Selected Succulent Plants Other Than Cacti” Smithsonian Institution Press, 1984
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Fabian, A. & Germishuizen, G. “Wild Flowers of Northern South Africa.” Fernwood Press, Vlaeburg. Pages 314 - 315. (Includes a picture).1997
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Golding, J.S. (ed.) “Southern African Plant Red Data Lists.” Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 14. SABONET. Pretoria. Page 171. 2002
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Leach, L.C. “A Revision of Huernia R.Br. (Asclepiadaceae)” Excelsa Taxonomic Series No. 4 Aloe, Cactus and Succulent Society of Zimbabwe Pages 138 - 142. (Includes a picture). 1988
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Mapaura, A. & Timberlake, J. (eds) “A checklist of Zimbabwean vascular plants Southern African Botanical Diversity” Network Report No. 33 Sabonet, Pretoria and Harare Page 21. 2004
From llifle page Huernia blackbeardiae
Description
It is one of the most beautifully flowering huernias. The flower is anything up to 8.5 cm (usually 6- 7cm) in diameter, star-shaped, whitish or yellowish with red or purplish spots and lines. In the middle of corolla there is a vivid annulus, on which spots often merge into a unique pattern. They are also very shiny and may look like plastic, but it’s for real. Only the magniflora form of Huernia zebrina looks similar and is easily recognisable. Flowers are also quite variable both in colour and markings.
Forms clumps with stems being toothed about 2 cm in diameter.
Origin and Habitat
H. zebrina has a wide distribution being found in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, and the Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Northern Provinces of South Africa. The ssp magniflora differs from ssp zebrina in having stronger, more robust stems and, as the name suggests larger flowers and grows throughout in the lowlands of south-east.
Cultivation and Propagation
It isn’t difficult to grow and flower. Both subspecies require a very draining substrate with a big portion of sharp sand or perlite or pumice. They need winter temperature over 10 °C and they need very careful watering during warm days. As with other stapeliads, the most dangerous diseases and pests are black rot and mealy bugs. The easiest way of propagation is by rooting stem cuttings or by sowing, if seeds are available. Half shade in Summer.
Source: Huernia blackbeardiae, LLIFLE - Encyclopedia of living forms, CC-BY-SA, retrieved 2026-10-25.
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