SafePlants

Ceropegia sandersonii

Ceropegia sandersonii, commonly known as parachute plant, fountain flower, or umbrella plant, is a fascinating species of flowering plant appreciated for its unique blooms.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has a thick stem and is a succulent vine.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ceropegia sandersonii
• Common Names: Parachute plant, fountain flower, umbrella plant, Windowed flowers, Giant ceropegia, Sanderson's Ceropegia, Parachute flower
• Family: Apocynaceae (formerly Asclepiadaceae), Subfamily Asclepiadoideae
• Genus: Ceropegia (which can be evergreen or semi-evergreen, erect, climbing, or trailing)

Distribution and Habitat

• Originates from Mozambique to southern Africa.

Morphological Characteristics

• A vigorous succulent vine.
• Features unusual green parachute-like flowers.
• The flowers may bear a leopard print pattern.
• May have waxy leaves.
• Some sources indicate it has a thick stem and decorative leaves.
• Ceropegia debilis, a related species, has needle-like grey leaves and mauve-pink flowers.

Quirky Facts

• The flowers are often borne from spring to fall.
• The flowers slightly resemble a parachute.
• Carl Linnaeus named the Ceropegia genus in Species plantarum, Volume 1 in 1753.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mentioned alongside other plants in visual comparisons: Stapelia asterias and Stapelia pedunculata.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
• A plant sale at the University of California Botanical Garden at Berkeley is referenced (http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu/plant_sale/Spring2013/plant_sale.shtml).