Synonyms:

• Dorstenia braunii
• Dorstenia bravifolia
• Dorstenia carnosula
• Dorstenia carnulosa
• Dorstenia maoungouensis
• Dorstenia marambensis
• Dorstenia renneyi
• Dorstenia rhomboidea
• Dorstenia tanneriana

Habitat:

-Dorstenia hildebrandtii is native to tropical Africa: Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Burundi, Rwanda and Mozambique.

Description:

-Dorstenia hildebrandtii is a rhizomatous or tuberous succulent: the caudex is above-ground, swollen, up to 5 cm in diameter. Leaves are stalkless, oblong or elliptic, the plant is caudiciforms. Near stem apexes, the plant produces solitary or in pair inflorescences: female flowers are numerous and scattered, while male flowers are crowded. Blooming season is spring to late autumn.

Cultivation:

-Dorstenia hildebrandtii is a beautiful pot plant: despite being a slow growing plant, growth can be increased by watering it adequately (but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering), but keep it dry during winter; keep it in a warm environment (the temperature should be kept abve 15°C) and fertilise it during the growing season. The caudex needs some shade, while leaves prefer full sun: avoid direct sun in summer and use bright lights if the plant is grown inside. Repot every two years, using pots with large drain holes.

Propagation:

-It is usually propagated by seeds, but it is possible to use cuttings, too.

Curiosity:

-Dorstenia hildebrandtii’s genus is named in honor of the famous German botanist Theodor Dorsten (1492–1552).