Succulents & Characters

succulents

characters SUSANA CADENA

table of contents ALOE VERA .................... 4-5 BURRO’S TAIL ................. 6-7 COTTONTOP .................... 8-9 DWARF CHIN .................. 10-11 EVE’S PIN ....................... 12-13 FIRESTICKS ..................... 14-15 GOLDEN BALL ................. 16-17 HENS & CHICKS ............... 18-19 INDIAN FIG .................... 20-21 JADE PLANT .................... 22-23 KAROO ROSE ................. 24-25 LADY AQUARIUS ............. 26-27 MOONSTONES ................ 28-29 NECKLACE VINE .............. 30-31 ORGAN PIPE .................. 32-33 PEYOTE .......................... 34-35 QUEEN OF THE NIGHT ....... 36-37 RUBY BALL ..................... 38-39

SAGUARO ..................... 40-41 TARANTULA .................. 42-43 UMBILICUS RUPESTRIS.... 44-45 VALENTINE HOYA ........... 46-47 WOODLOUSE ................. 48-49 XEROSICYOS .................. 50-51 YUCCA GIGANTEA .......... 52-53 ZIGZAG ......................... 54-55 BUDDHA’S TEMPLE ........ 56-57 VARISPIRALIS ............... 58-59 CHRISTMAS .................. 60-61 TRACHYANDRA TORTILIS 62-63 DINOSAUR BACK ........... 64-65 AFRICAN MILK TREE ....... 66-67 FOX TAIL AGAVE ............. 68-69 SPIRALIS ...................... 70-71 HINDU ROPE ................. 72-73 BOOBIE ........................ 74-75

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aloe vera

Aloe vera originated in the tropical climates of Africa a nd established its popularity around the world for its health benefits.

Aloe Vera is known as the “plant of immortality.� Its use can be traced back 6,000 years to early Egypt, where these plants were depicted on stone carvings. Aloe was presented as a funeral gift to pharaohs. Some examples of its benefits include laxative effects, anti- inflammatory action, wound healing, and anti-aging effects.

Aloe can grow up to 3' high, but its average height is 2' tall.

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burro’s tail

This sub-shrub is native to southern Mexico & Honduras. The name comes from the resemblance of the trailing stems to an animal’s tail.

This award-winning, ever-green, easy-to-grow succulent has been cultivated since 1935. A Donkey’s Tail is very fragile and the leaves easily fall off if the plant is disturbed. These plants do well in hanging baskets where they have room to cascade down. Under the right conditions, a Donkey’s Tail plant may produce star-shaped flowers in pink, red, or lavender during the spring and summer.

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cottontop

Cottontop is native to Arizona, mainly found in the Mojave Desert. The fruits are densely woolly, which are the reference for cottontop.

This cactus is typically known as Woolly Headed Barrel cactus. The “cotton� from this plant is gently picked by birds and small animals who use it for nesting material.

Cottontop cacti grow close to the ground, standing at approximately 2' tall. The best place to grow this cactus is along a rocky slope.

The flowers bloom from the top of the stems and are bright yellow in color.

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dwarf chin This cactus is native to the mountainous and grassy regions of Argentina. It produces white, magenta, orange, or purple-red flowers.

Dwarf Chin cactus is a dark green globose cactus, which grows up to 4" in height. It is also known as spider-cactus because of its curved spines. Its funnel-shaped flowers grow near the apex of the plant. The ideal location for this plant indoors is in the brightest area in the house but with light shade or protection from the direct afternoon sun and proper ventilation.

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eve’s pin This species is native to the Andes and was cultivated in ancient Peru to make fences and needles. It blooms with red to orange flowers.

The plant’s botanical name comes from the Latin word ‘subulate’ which means ‘awl-like’. In its natural habitat, the plant is capable of growing up to 12’ in height.

But when cultivated, it reaches a height of a mere 24”-30". This plant is a cactus that offers fruits, although they are not edible. Its leaves, however, are edible and sold as vegetables in some South American locations.

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firesticks

Euphorbia Tirucalli is native to the African continent. It has pencil-thin stems that turn red, yellow, or orange during the cooler months.

Firesticks are also known as sticks on fire, Indian tree spurge, pencil cactus, or milk bush. They grow up to 6’ when kept indoors, and 15'-30’ in their ideal space. These plants contain a white sap inside their body which is very irritating for the skin if touched, and can cause blindness. Firesticks are hardy for the extreme hots and droughts. This species is listed as invasive in Hawaii and Cuba.

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golden ball The Golden Ball is native to central Mexico. It is recognized by its magnificent color that comes from vertical yellow ribs that line its edges.

Golden Ball Cactus is also known as Hedgehog Cactus, Mother-inLaw’s Cushion, or Golden Barrel.

This popular cactus reaches up to 3' in height and spread. It has an appealing, round shape and is covered in golden spines and a few longer hairs at the top, which eventually develop into yellow flowers, followed by fruit. The golden barrel is considered a rare and endangered species.

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hens & chicks

Hens & Chicks make up a group of approximately forty different species of small succulents from North Africa, Western Asia, and Europe.

Sempervivum plants produce numerous offsets appearing around the base of the mother hen. The mother plant is the “hen,” and the offsets are her “chicks.” The most well-known houseleek Sempervivum tectorum comes from Europe where it is traditionally planted on the roofs of cottages.

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indian fig This species has been cultivated since ancient times for its edible fruit. Its origin is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in Mexico.

Opuntia is also known as Prickly Pear, Bunny Ears, Beaver Tail, and Barbary fig. This immense cactus grows to 15' tall. When these cacti plants mature, they produce attractive red, orange or yellow flowers that can become edible fruits. These “prickly pear fruits" are delicious and often used to make jams, jellies, and alcoholic beverages. The Indian fig is also commonly used as a fence.

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jade plant The jade plant is native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal valleys of South Africa. This plant is seen by some as a sign of prosperity.

Crassula ovata, commonly known as jade plant, lucky plant, or money tree, is a succulent plant.

Jade plants are trees, and when they reach maturity they have thick, woody trunks and shiny, oval leaves. In warmer locations, during the winter, it produces clusters of star-shaped, fragrant, ivory white to pink blossoms.

African tribes used the roots as a food product.

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karoo rose

Karoo Rose is native to South Africa. These plants tend to resemble the pebbles & stones of the rocky deserts of their natural homes.

Also known as lapidaria margaretae, karoo rose looks similar to Lithops and Dinteranthus. Its leaves are rounded with a pointed tip, they are thick, and usually pinkish or gray white at the base.

This species is mostly dormant during the hot summer and cold winter, only growing during the spring and autumn. It flowers with a single wide yellow flower that can eclipse the plant.

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lady aquarius Aquamarine leaves edged in delicate shades of pink make this startling succulent look like a ruffly underwater sea anemone.

Echeveria "Lady Aquarius" can reach up to 8" in diameter. One of the most notable features of the succulents are its ruffled leaves.

The color can change depending on the time of year and sun exposure. The plant produces flower stalks with clusters of orangepink blooms.

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moonstone

Moonstones are native to the rocky cliffs of Mexico, in the state of San Luis PotosĂ­. Their leaves are pale blue-green to lavender.

The moonstone plant is a glaucous succulent of adorably chubby leaves. The leaves can be silvery blue to lavender and have a thick, powdery coating of natural wax.

This plant can grow stems up to 8" long. It also produces tall bloom stalks with white flowers, each containing a deep burgundy spot. Other than "moonstones", Pachyphytum oviferum is also known as the sugar almond plant.

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necklace vine

This species is native to the South and Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, where it grows among rocks and in the crevices of cliffsides.

Crassula perforata is also known as String of Buttons or Necklace Vine. The triangle-shaped leaves spiral around the stem, causing it to look stacked. When grown in full sun, the edges can take on a rosy pink hue and can grow up to 10" tall. This plant blooms with pale yellow flowers in the spring.

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organ pipe The Organ Pipe Cactus thrives in the Sonoran Desert. This columnar cactus is the second largest in the U.S. growing as tall as 23 feet.

Organ Pipe Cactus can live to over 150 years in age, and will only produce their first flower near the age of 35. It will bloom in May and June, opening its white, creamy flowers only at night. At maturity, the Organ Pipe fruits split open to display an edible red pulp. This fruit has provided a food source to Native Americans.

It can be eaten, made into jelly or fermented into a beverage.

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peyote Peyote is native to the southern parts of the U.S. & Mexico. Potent compounds in the plant cause it to have hallucinogenic effects.

Although peyote has historically had spiritual and ritualistic uses — among Native Americans, in particular — today, many people also use the plant recreationally. In the U.S., peyote is illegal to cultivate or eat unless you are a member of the Native American Church.

Peyote can also produce flowers which become edible berries.

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queen of the night For one summer's night each year, this plant's exquisitely scented flower opens as night falls, then closes with the rays of the morning sun.

The Queen of the night is also known as Peruvian Apple cactus but despite the name, it is actually native to Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina. It can reach up to 30' in height. The waxy, creamywhite flowers are followed by a red-orange elliptical fruit similar looking to Dragon Fruit.

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ruby ball

Ruby Ball is endemic to Paraguay and some provinces of Argentina. This brightly colored plant results from grafting two different cacti.

Commonly referred to as Hibotan, ruby ball, or moon cactus, these are not a single species cactus but two different cacti that have been grafted together. The ones sold in garden shops all over the world are mutant varieties that do not produce chlorophyll, thus revealing other pigments. These colors include various shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, purple, and cream, plus several bicolors.

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saguaro The saguaro cactus can only be found in the Sonoran Desert. They are the largest cactus species in the U.S. growing over 45 feet tall.

The lifespan of the saguaro is 150-200 years. At 125 years, a saguaro is considered an adult.

The saguaro’s bloom is Arizona’s state flower. This cactus' scientific name, is Carnegiea Gigantic, in honor of industrialist Andrew Carnegie. Some Native American tribes harvest ripe saguaro fruit to make wines, jams, and jellies.

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tarantula

Tarantula Cactus is native to Bolivia. This plant is so named due to its uncanny resemblance to the large hairy arachnids by the same name.

Also known as the golden rat tail cactus, the plant produces numerous stems that trail down from the crown of the plant, covered in golden hairs. It also produces spun white hairs that resemble cobwebs. In spring, the plant will yield salmon colored flowers with rayed petals. In its natural habitat, this cactus creeps along the rocky ground and may get as long as 3' per stem.

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umbilicus rupestris This species is native to Europe, British Isles, North Africa and the Mediterranean. Its leaves are edible raw or cooked.

Umbilicus rupestris is also known as navelwort, pennywort, Venus's navel and corn leaves. It can be found in rock crevices, on walls or steep banks. Its leaves are great for salads being crunchy and usually mild in flavor. Navelwort has also been used as a remedy in homeopathic and herbal medicine.

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valentine hoya

Native to Southeast Asia, Hoya Kerrii is often a Valentine’s Day gift with a single 5-inch leaf planted upright in a small pot.

Hoya Hearts are tropical succulent vines that are often cultivated and sold as leaf cuttings. Blooms often appear in Summer, with numerous small flowers in a star shaped pattern. It's also common for a delicate, but at the same time, powerful perfume to waft from the flowers.

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woodlouse The woodlouse is native to San Luis PotosĂ­, Mexico. Its tubercles are pectinated and look like sowbugs or woodlouse.

Woodlouse cactus is also known as peyotillo or hatchet cactus.

Indians of northern Mexico once used it as a substitute for peyote; even though the effects are not quite as dramatic, they do include the typical visual changes and phenomena. The woodlouse cactus normally blooms from February till October, revealing pink to violet flowers. Its fruits take the form of red pods.

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xerosicyos This plant is endemic to Madagascar, where it grows in subarid bushland forest and dunes. It bears leaves that are almost perfectly round.

Xerosicyos danguyi is commonly known as penny plant, silver dollar vine, or dollar vine. It can climb up on other plants, fences or structures 10'-15'. Small pale green flowers can appear in the late winter to early spring. The name comes from the Greek word 'xeros' meaning "dry" and 'sicyos' meaning "cucumber," in reference to being a dry growing member of the cucumber family.

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yucca gigantea Yucca Gigantea is native to the east coast of Mexico and Guatemala. It is a member of the agave family and closely related to lilies.

Yucca Gigantea is popularly called spineless or elephant yucca. It is the tallest of the Yuccas, reaching 30'. Sprouts often grow from the base of the trunk. This plant has white bell-shaped flowers borne on tall stalks above the foliage.

These blooms are edible and high in calcium & potassium.

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zigzag This plant originated in Mexico, where tropical rainforests create a humid environment. Its green flat serrated leaves resemble fish bones.

Zigzag cactus is commonly known as fishbone cactus, orchid cactus, ric-rac cactus or St. Anthony's ricrac. During spring to early summer, it may bloom with fragrant peachy white flowers that open at night and last only one day.

Unlike many plants in the cactus family, the zigzag cactus requires moist soil during the summer.

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buddha's temple This crassula is native to Mozambique and South Africa. It is characterized by its upward facing leaves that resemble a pagoda.

Crassula Buddha’s Temple is a hybrid of Crassula pyramidalis and Crassula perfoliata var minor. Its leaves have a powdery coating which is rubbed off by water or touch. During the summer, this plant will bear pink flowers. Buddha's Temple will reach around 6"-12" in height.

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varispiralis

Varispiralis is native to Chile, along the coastline. Its unusual form resembles small green donuts stacked one upon another.

This plant is known under many different names including spiralis, varispiralis, and mostruosa. It is a variable four basic growing forms of Eulychnia Castanea: its monstrous form has a lumpy-bumpy surface, its discoidal form looks like green discs placed on top of one another in a heap, its spiral form has curly, spiral growth, and its crested form is characterized by fan-like sculptural shapes.

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christmas

Christmas cactus is native to the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil near the Atlantic Ocean. It blooms during the Christmas season.

Christmas cactus, known scientifically as Schlumbergera, thrives in cool temperatures. In order for the flower buds to set, these cacti need 14 hours or more of continuous darkness per day. Its flowers range in color from red, yellow, salmon, pink, fuchsia, and white or combinations of those colors.

Christmas cactus like to be misted on a daily basis. They can live for 20 to 30 years.

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trachyandra tortilis

Trachyandra Tortilis is native to the Northern & Western Cape of South Africa. It has ribbonlike leaves that fold and coil.

Trachyandra Tortilis has an unusually long life span. It grows from a bulb and is found in well-drained sandy or rocky soil. It grows up to 10" in height and can cross-pollinate with different Trachyandra to create a unique variety. This succulent's flowers are pale pink striped with green and are borne on a multi-branched spike.

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dinosaur back

Dinosaur Back Plant is native to northern and central Mexico. It is an interesting waxy blue cactus that forms a tree-like trunk.

Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Forma Cristata is commonly known as Dinosaur Back Plant or Crested Blue Candle. This plant is one of the most used cacti as a pattern in cactus grafts, due to its high resistance. This species also produces small white flowers that arise from the top of the cactus.

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african milk tree

The African Milk Tree is native to West Africa.

This species is considered a succulent plant even though it grows small leaves.

African Milk Tree is also known as Candelabra or Cathedral cactus. It is a tall, rugged plant with thorns and exudes a poisonous white sap when cut. This plant's leaves are small and short-lived. Candelabra cactus is used for hedging in tropical zones. In its natural habitat, it can grow around 6'-8' in height.

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fox tail Fox Tail agave is native to the plateaus of central Mexico. It derives its name from the arched flower stalk which resembles a fox brush.

Fox Tail agave is also known as Swan's Neck agave or Century Plant. Its raceme appears during the summer, growing above the foliage of the plant to a height of up to 10'. It takes on an arc shape, with its tip pointing back down to the ground. This raceme is covered in tightly packed tiny white and yellow-green flowers.

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spiralis Spiralis is native to Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia. These cacti produce large purple fruits when the flowers are pollinated.

Cereus Forbesii 'Spiralis' is also known as twisted cactus or Cereus peruvianus 'Spiralis'. It is a heavy bloomer and grows striking flowers. Its stems have a waxy surface, and reach a height of 6'13.' In nature, they can be found in arid plains, forests, atop hills and rocky cliff sides, and along the edges of salt flats.

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hindu rope

The Hindu rope is native to southern India. Its draping vines resemble thick ropes with their crowded, waxy-looking curled leaves.

Common names for Hindu rope plant include Krinkle Kurl, wax plant and porcelain flower. The flowers of the Hindu Rope Plant are the real attraction of this plant, as it produces star-shaped blooms with a waxy texture. The flower clusters are called umbels, with each plant producing up to 40 flowers. They appear so perfect that it would be easy to believe that they are artificial.

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boobie The boobie cactus is native to central Mexico.

It is a rare Japanese cultivar that looks like a totem celebrating the feminine form.

The Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Fukurokuryuzinboku, also known as Blue Candle Boobie cactus, Breast Cactus, and Titty Cactus, is a rare plant to find for sale. It has unusual shaped ribs along with areoles that resemble nipples making this cactus appear like it has little breasts. It can grow up to 14' in height.

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