Orbea hardyi: A creeping stapeliad endemic to northern South Africa

Walker, Colin (2023). Orbea hardyi: A creeping stapeliad endemic to northern South Africa. Cactus and Succulent review(39) pp. 4–6.

Abstract

Orbea is the largest genus of stapeliads with about 60 species. It is widespread in Africa south of the Sahara, mainly in south and east Africa and into northeast Africa and southern Arabia. In cultivation Orbea variegata is the most commonly encountered species. The southern African species Orbea hardyi is showcased here and its somewhat chequered history is discussed. It was first described in 1963 as Stultitia hardyi and illustrated by a coloured plate based on an original the watercolour painting by the renowned South African botanical artist Cythna Letty. It was transferred to Orbea in 2001. Its growth characteristics and flowering in cultivation are described and illustrated.

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