Tabia Gorge Dorstenia

Origin

Africa

Family

Moraceae

Description

Dorstenia lavrani  vareigated (Tabia Gorge Dorstenia) is a many stemmed perennial plant which produced a symmetrical "grove" with many succulent wax-like stems patterned with spiraling rows of whitish leaf scars. Each stem is topped with a rosette of attractively crisped leaves. Overall, this plant has the appearance of a compact grove of palm trees, and is most attractive. Dorstenia lavrani is believed to represent the only species of Dorstenia which is dioecious - in which the male (pollinate) and female (pistillate) flowers, are born on separate plants. This contrasts with other dorstenias that have flowers of both sexes on the same plant

Environment

Dorstenia needs bright light or partial to full shade, with warm temperatures and a well-drained soil mix that must not remain soggy for too long.  

During the growing season, the plants appreciate a fair amount of water but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering, making sure that they never dry out completely.  They have to be kept in a rather high air humidity.  

They are fertilized once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. During the winter months they tend to go at least partially dormant and will exhibit some leaf loss. During this period, they should be given very little water.

Landscape

Dorstenia is pretty versatile, having various landscape uses. This plant will look absolutely gorgeous in rock gardens, succulent gardens, desert gardens, and containers. It is also a common indoor ornamental as a bonsai.