Dragon flower

Dragon flower Overview

Huernia is a genus in the Apocynaceae family of plants. It contains around 77 species of stem succulents from Eastern and Southern Africa. These plants form clumps of blue-green, sharply angled, finger-shaped stems with prominent spine-like points. In their native habitat, they grow naturally under other plants, so place in bright sun to partial sun and monitor. Too much strong sunlight can cause red-purple colouration and eventually scorch. They are dormant during the winter and it is best to avoid watering over this period. This genus was first described in 1810 and contains succulent plants that produce 5-lobed, funnel or bell-shaped flowers similar to those of the genus Stapelia. Different species have varying flower textures including glossy and wrinkled, matte and semi-fleshy. These plants have creeping to clumping habits and are frost-tender. Keep above freezing temperatures, place in well-draining soil for optimal growth. Water when the soil has thoroughly dried out for best results.