Accepted Scientific Name: Orbea macloughlinii (I.Verd.) L.C.Leach
Kirkia 10(1): 291. 1975
Origin and Habitat: KwaZulu-Natal in the valleys of the Mzimkulu (Umtata Falls under the Umtata Dam and Tsitsa Falls near Tsolo)
Synonyms:
See all synonyms of Orbea macloughlinii
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Accepted name in llifle Database:Orbea macloughlinii (I.Verd.) L.C.LeachKirkia 10(1): 291. 1975Synonymy: 5
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Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Orbea macloughlinii group
- Orbea doldii Plowes: has purple flowers with bright yellow marking, more vibratile hairs along margins and a shallower saucer shaped annulus. Distribution: Umtata district, Eastern Cape Province
- Orbea macloughlinii (I.Verd.) L.C.Leach
- Orbea speciosa L.C.Leach: has yellow flowers mottled dark maroon with a shallow to prominent annulus. The petal edge carry numerous vibratile hairs. Distribution: KwaZulu-Natal,valleys of the Umkomaas Rivers.
Cultivation and Propagation: Orbea macloughliniiSN|23704]]SN|23704]] grow well in light gritty soil with a very liberal drainage. They should at all times sparingly watered (rain water with some fertiliser) , and in winter time they hardly require any. They require outdoor culture, or a warm close greenhouse, while growing in the early part of summer, and afterwards may be ripened and kept in a greenhouse; but as they bloom chiefly in autumn, warmth is desirable to enable them to expand their flowers.
A minimum winter temperature of 5-10°C is acceptable, providing that plants are kept absolutely dry. They prefer light shade rather than full sun, although stems may not colour up under shady conditions.
Propagation: Plants are usually increased by cuttings, which, as they are very succulent, should be allowed to dry a week after they are taken off, when they may at once be put singly into pots.
Pest & diseases: Keep their roots free of mealy bugs, as fungal attack often occurs as a result of damage to stems by insects. A layer of grit on the surface of the compost prevents moisture from accumulating around the base of the stems and minimise the chance of fungal attack on the roots.
Traditional uses: This species is sporadically collected for food by local people.