Huernia procumbens - (R.A. Dyer) L.C. Leach
Asclepiadaceae

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Distribution:  Moçambique: Pafuri, on both banks of the Limpopo River

Description:  Stems grow close to the ground with the tips ocassionally lifting, Stems are 5-6 angled with stems that are almost round, stems are a pale greenish-mauve and are purple in the grooves, rudimentary leaves are present but they dry and drop off quickly. 

Flower:  Corolla lobes are cream coloured, they taper from the base to a pointed tip, prominent red annulus is present.  Flowers are 4.5-5cm in diameter.

Point of Interest:  Huernia procumbens was first classified as a duvalia because of it's prominent red annulus and the slender corolla lobes.  It was transferred to Huernia because of the corona seems to be on a 'stem', the outer corona lies on the rim of the annulus, corolla lobes are usually quite similiar.  Huernia procumbens is related to Huernia verekeri.

Cultivation:  A well drained soil is essential, I use a mix of 4 parts grit (usually 3mm-4mm in size), 4 parts fine river sand and one part well sifted compost.  I dislike giving watering advice because of the variability of climates.  I water my plant every week to week and a half during it's active growth season.  Plants are fertilized twice a month.  Plants are grown under 40% shade netting throughout the year.

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