x Hoodiapelia beukmanii f. cristata

x Hoodiapelia beukmanii f. cristata

Family: Apocynaceae
Common Name: crested stapelia
Synonyms: Stapelia beukmanii f. cristata, Luckhoffia beukmanii f. cristata, Luckhoffia beukmanii ‘Cristate’
Origin: Hoodiapelia beukmanii is a wild hybrid believed to have originated from a Hoodia sp. and a Stapelia sp., possibly H. gordonii, and S. arenosa or S. stultitioides. Naturally, the hybrid occurs in North Cape Providence, Africa, but the crested form is nursery produced.
Description: The crested stapelia is a perennial succulent shrub that resembles a cactus. Wild specimens will develop 30-40 hairless stems from the base, each 8-angled and covered in prominent tubercles. Young stems are glossy-green, with sharply-pointed tubercles, while older plants are blue-green with purple markings and tubercles that terminate into white spines. The crested form possesses distinctively fan-shaped stems rather than the erect, columnar branches of the straight species.
After late summer, the crested stapelia will bloom continuously, developing apical clusters of showy, saucer-shaped flowers. The large blooms are five-lobed with a central depression and triangular, upturned corollas, resembling a starfish with the inner and outer corolla fused basally. While the outer lobes are brownish-purple and hairless, the central lobes are orange-brown to dark purple and spotted, with short black hairs.

Interesting Features:
- Because of its intriguing form and unusual flowers, the crested stapelia is very sought after by collectors. However, due to the multiple scientific names that have been applied to this forma, it is often difficult to find information or available species.
- Despite its appearance, x Hoodiapelia beukmanii is not a cactus and belongs to the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. It was previously grouped under the subfamily Asclepiadaceae, or the milkweed family, leading to further confusion in classification.
Uses: Although there are no known scientific or cultural uses, the crested stapelia is a popular plant in cultivation. In addition to its distinctive appearance, x Hoodiapelia beukmanii f. cristata is free-flowering and will develop many flowers that bloom continuously, adding to its value.

Cultivation and Care:

Watering: Moderate
- Summer drought is occasionally tolerated, but generally moderate moisture should be provided from spring-fall, with little irrigation in winter. To prevent the roots from shriveling, however, a sparse amount of water can be provided if the plant is located in a warm environment.
Soil: The crested stapelia possesses shallow roots and must be sited in a gritty, free-draining compost supplemented with perlite or pumice, with a layer of coarse gravel covering the bottom of the pot. Ensure that soil is well draining and plant in a clay pot to further prevent root rot.
Lighting: Full sun to partial shade is necessary, as any fluctuations in light intensity may interfere with the development of crests. Therefore, indoor cultivation is only possible if bright light is available.
Propagation: While the straight species is considered partially fertile, the crested form can only be propagated through woody stem cuttings, which must be allowed to fully callous over before planting. However, propagation is difficult and often unsuccessful.
Cold Tolerance: 30°F, USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11.
Special Accommodations: Development of the crested form may occur on normal plants due to damage, variations in light intensity, or other unknown factors, and crested plants are capable of reverting to normal growth as well. Remove any normal shoots to maintain the crested form.

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