Ceropegia occidentalis   (R. A. Dyer)


 
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syn. -

 
distribution:

Namibia
South Africa
: Namakwa District / Northern Cape

 
Ceropegia occidentalis is closely related to Ceropegia africana and Ceropegia linearis.

Just like its two relatives also this species builds subterranean tubers. These reach 2 to 4 cm in diameter.

The stems grow rambling on the ground, but can also grow, with the support of the surrounding shrubs, in a heigth of about 30 cm above the ground. They die back seasonally.

The leaves are succulent, lanzett-shaped and about 2 cm long as well as 0,5 cm broad. Just like in the related species the plant builds small axillary tubers.

The flowers are about 3 cm long. They have a greenish colour and are decorated with purple spots. The petals are about 0,7 cm long and united at their tip.

 
References:

- P. V. Bruyns: A recently described species of Ceropegia from Namaqualand. Aloe Vol.41 (No.4) 2004