Ceropegia dichotoma

Ceropegia dichotoma belongs to the family of the Apocynaceae and the genus Ceropegia, which includes a variety of species that are known for their extraordinary flower structures. Ceropegia dichotoma is endemically on the Canary Islands, especially on Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Gomera and La Palma. The plant is adapted to dry climate conditions and thrives in the rocky and desert -like areas of the Canaries, where it can be found at up to about 600 meters.

Morphology and growth form

Ceropegia dichotoma is a small, succulent shrub that reaches a height of about 50 to 100 cm. It grows upright and has thickened, greenish stems that serve to store water, and often has a branched growth shape. The stems are cactus -like and hardly contain leaves, which contributes to minimizing water loss. If leaves are available, they are narrow, succulent and grow at the stem ending, but they usually fall off quickly as soon as the plant has developed.

Flower structure and pollination

One of the most fascinating properties of Ceropegia dichotoma are her flowers, which appear on the stem ends in the heyday between spring and autumn. The flowers are uniquely tube-shaped and have a pale green or yellowish-green color. The flower structure has developed so that it lures small insects, especially flying, into the flower tube. The flower works like a trap: As soon as an insect crawl into the flower, it remains trapped for a short time, which ensures that the plant ensures that the pollination is efficient before the trap opens again and releases the insect.

Ecology and adaptation strategies

Ceropegia dichotoma grows in semiarides and barren areas of the Canary Islands and is well adapted to the conditions there. The thick, juicy stems are not only storage locations for water, but also a protective measure against drying out. This adaptation is typical of plants that have to survive in hot and dry areas. The plant is Cam (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism), which means that it absorbs and stores CO₂ at night to use it during the day when you are closed for photosynthesis. This type of carbon fixation is an efficient method to minimize water loss and still carry out the necessary metabolic processes.

Cultivation and care

The cultivation of Ceropegia dichotoma is relatively easy due to its adaptability of dryness. The plant prefers a full sun and well -permeable, sandy soil. In any case, waterlogging should be avoided because the succulent stems are susceptible to root rot. In regions with frost -free climate, the plant can also be cultivated outdoors, otherwise it is well suited for greenhouses and sunny window spaces. During the growth period, the plant should be poured economically, while in the cooler months of the year it is transferred to a resting phase in which it hardly needs any water.

Ecological meaning

Due to its extraordinary flower shape and its ability to survive under extreme conditions, Ceropegia dichotoma is of ecological importance. It offers food and breeding grounds for a number of specialized insects that have adapted to the plant as a source of food. In her home country, it is also used to green barren areas, since it can contribute to stabilizing the soil and represents an enrichment for domestic flora.