Synonyms:

This name is unresolved. This means that botanists haven’t still come into a definitive decision of whether the species name “erinacea” is the correct name for this plant or not.

Habitat:

Huernia erinacea is native to Kenya, in an area close to the border with Ethiopia.

Description:

Huernia erinacea is an attractive tropical succulent with slender, dark green stems that have occasional red markings. This plant is known for its abundant star-shaped flowers that bloom successively. The flowers are yellow with red mottling and are covered in short teeth tipped with red.

In terms of its growth, it’s a loose perennial succulent that readily produces offsets, forming low, spreading mounds. These mounds can reach up to 10 centimeters in diameter and are about 2.5-5 (or even more) centimeters tall.

The stems of this plant are either prostrate (lying flat) or, on rare occasions, have an upward tilt. They are about 20-60 millimeters long and 10-14 millimeters in diameter. These stems have five angles and bear rounded projections with teeth.

The flowers emerge near the base of the stems, facing outward and standing upright. They are about 4-5 centimeters in diameter, with a peduncle (flower stalk) that’s 7-20 millimeters long. The flower tube is blunt and flat, smooth at the base, and widens to about 2-1.5 centimeters at the mouth. The sepals are approximately 6 millimeters long and 1.75 millimeters wide. The corolla is a dull yellow with red spots or lines on the outer edge, covered in tiny bumps. The upper part of the corolla is cream-colored, while the lower part is a dark purple-black. The lobes of the corolla are up to 2 centimeters long, narrow and triangular, with purple-red edges that are irregularly toothed and bumpy on the inside. The corona, which is a structure in the center of the flower, is about 9 millimeters in diameter. The outer corona lobes are black-purple, shaped like rectangles, often with a short extension in the center or broadly square with a deep notch. The inner corona lobes are whitish at the base, turning purple towards the top, and lightly spotted. These lobes are about 3.5 millimeters long, cylindrical, blunt, and slightly spread apart. The pollinia, which are the pollen-carrying structures, are yellowish with very short stalks.

This plant typically blooms in late summer to early autumn, roughly from July to October in Europe. Its fruit consists of two seed horns (follicles) that are mottled dark purple and often don’t appear until a year later.

Cultivation:

Cultivating Huernia erinacea is a straightforward yet rewarding pursuit. As spring kicks in, these robust succulents come to life, eagerly absorbing much-needed moisture without the fear of overwatering. They thrive in partial shade during this season, and a gentle rain can be just the refreshment they need.

Summer brings both intense heat and occasional downpours, which these plants handle with ease. This is a time for attentive gardening, tending to the stems in preparation for their autumn resurgence. Even in scorching outdoor temperatures, filtered sunlight is their ticket to blooming come fall. A bit of well-timed fertilizer boosts their vigor, but caution is advised when relocating them during budding, as an abrupt move can hinder the blooming process.

With the arrival of autumn, they relish the outdoor space until nighttime temperatures dip below 5°C. Here, they revel in the crisp air, soaking up the fading sunlight.

Winter poses no major challenges for their care. Maintaining a cozy environment between 5°-10°C, along with ample light, ensures their well-being. Yet, as their blossoms unfurl, a watchful eye is needed to protect them from excess moisture, as the cool, damp conditions can invite fungal issues. Depending on temperature fluctuations, a sporadic, gentle watering may be in order.

When it comes to potting, their shallow roots prefer a mix of cactus blend or fortified soil with a touch of perlite or pumice. Clay pots provide an ideal habitat, allowing the soil to breathe and the plants to take in just enough to thrive. Repotting every two years keeps them at their best.

Propagation:

Propagating Huernia erinacea is a straightforward and rewarding endeavor. The easiest method is through stem cuttings. After obtaining the cuttings, allow them a day to air-dry before planting. Lay the stems gently on gritty compost, ensuring they’re not buried. Roots will emerge from the underside of the stems, establishing a strong foundation.

Alternatively, this resilient succulent can also be propagated from seeds. Sow them in moist, sandy peat moss during the spring season. Cover the seeds lightly, as they sprout with remarkable speed.

Regardless of the season, it’s wise to lay out the stems for a few days before replanting. When it’s time to pot them, use dry soil and resist the urge to water until they show signs of growth or slight wilting. This patient approach ensures their successful re-establishment.

Curiosity:

The genus “Huernia” was named in honor of Justin Heurnius, a 17th-century Dutch botanist and physician. The specific name “erinacea” likely alludes to the plant’s spiky appearance, as “erinacea” means hedgehog-like in Latin.

Official Web Site:
www.giromagi.com

Italian Blog:
www.giromagicactus.com

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