Stapeliads: Propagation and cultivation, Auckland, New Zealand: A thesis presented by B.L. Buchanan in part fulfilment of the National Diploma in Horticulture of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture (Inc)

Abstract

Stapeliads or carrion flowers are a large group of succulent, perennial herbs belonging to the Family Asclepiadaceae. Native to the tropics and centred in Africa, the Family has 130 genera and 2000 species containing erect or twining shrubs or perennial herbs, sometimes fleshy and with reduced non-functional or absolescent leaves. The. Stapeliads have demonstrated an unusual power of adaptation to a semi-arid habitat. Their successful culture requires a knowledge of natural conditions and considerable skill by the grower. This thesis outlines the habitat conditions by reviewing appropriate literature and discusses culture by describing conditions and experiences of several growers. The author's collection has been established over ten years, and, except where indicated, the cultural information has been gained from personal experience.