Huernia pillansii
cocklebur
Clump-forming succulent to 4cm tall, with almost spherical, then finger-like, grey-green stems with dense, bristly tubercles (projections) in spiralling rows and bearing fleshy, densely red-warty and red-spotted cream to pink flowers 4cm across, pale yellow inside with crimson spots, from the base of new growth from summer to early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Cream Pink | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Autumn | Red Cream Pink | Grey Silver Green | ||
| Winter | Grey Silver Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Huernia are a genus of perennial stem succulents native to Southern Africa and Arabia with green, thick and fleshy, often spiny stems and bell or funnel-shaped red, yellow or brown flowers
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in standard cactus compost with added leaf mould, in bright filtered or indirect light with low humidity. In growth, water moderately and apply half-strength, low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser monthly. Keep almost dry in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed at 19-24°C in spring or propagate by rooting cuttings of stem sections in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to rots from overwatering
Get involved
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