Huernia
pillansii Dr. N. E.Brown
First discovered by N. S. Pillans growing near Matjesfontein in Cape Province.
A very choice, fast growing and prolific flowering stapeliad requiring
very dry hot conditions. In
winter plants must be kept absolutely dry at 12/15 degrees C min.
The flowers are the non smelly type, and are pollinated by flies, which lay
their eggs- hatching into larvae inside the flowers, but to no avail, they perish.
The typical seed horns arise later in the season, sometimes the following year.
When ripe they burst one at a time and release seeds on downy parachutes, and
in 30 min. they are gone. Gather them quickly.
The seeds are very easy to germinate using fresh seed, but a lot of care is
needed to raise them to adult plants. A heated propagator is the best bet. Water
very carefully.
Dr. N. E.
Brown
