SafePlants

Ceropegia: A Fascinating Genus

The genus Ceropegia encompasses a diverse group of plants belonging to the Apocynaceae family. These plants, native to Africa, southern Asia, and Australia, exhibit remarkable adaptations and intriguing floral structures. Carl Linnaeus was the first to describe the genus.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Ceropegia species are succulent perennials, which could be attractive to pets.
• Ceropegia herbs have sap that is described as "clear or cloudy, rarely milky."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ceropegia
• Family: Apocynaceae (formerly Asclepiadaceae)
• Major Group: Angiosperms
• Some sources mention Asclepiadaceae as a subfamily within Apocynaceae (Asclepiadoideae).
• Synonyms:
  • Ceropegia boussingaultiflora
  • Ceropegia constricta
  • Ceropegia grandis
  • Ceropegia mozambicensis

Distribution and Habitat

• Ceropegia species are native to the Old World tropics, specifically Africa, southern Asia, and Australia.
• Ceropegia woodii, for example, is native to South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.
• Specific locations mentioned include Pine Valley, slopes of Sibebe hills near a small stream.
• One rare Ceropegia species is found in Maji Ya Chumvi on the Mombassa Road between Voi and Mombassa.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Ceropegia species can be evergreen or semi-evergreen perennials.
• They can be erect, climbing, or trailing plants.
• Many species are succulent.
• Leaves are typically opposite.
• Flowers are curiously shaped and tubular.
• Ceropegia woodii is an evergreen succulent trailing vine that can grow to 10.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Members of the genus are characterized by tubular flowers specially adapted for the temporary capture of insects for pollination.
• Ceropegia species interact with flower-visiting Diptera (flies) from at least 26 genera in 20 families. Of these, 11 genera and 11 families are pollinators.

Quirky Facts

• Ceropegia ampliata is described as looking like a cross between an albino pitcher plant and one of Wolverine's retractable claws. Common names for this plant include Horny Wonder, Bushman's pipe, and Condom Plant.
• Ceropegia stapeliiformis stems resemble those of a Stapelia, but grow much longer.

Specific Species: Ceropegia woodii

• Common Names: String of Hearts, Rosary vine
• This species is often grown as an ornamental houseplant and is usually kept as a hanging pot subject.
• It has wiry stems and pairs of heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are a dull pinkish purple below and either green or variegated above.

Additional Information

• KEW BULLETIN VOL. 65: 107-110 (2010) features information on Ceropegia bhatii, a new species from Karnataka, India.
• Ceropegia aridicola is assessed in the IUCN Red List. (http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2004.RLTS.T46538A11066203.en)
• ARKive offers photos and facts about Ceropegia.