Ceropegia woodii

Ceropegia woodii Schltr. is a species of plant in the Apocynaceae family. Commonly called necklace of hearts, it is a hanging plant with dark green, heart-shaped leaves with marble-like spots.

Distribution

It is endemic to South Africa, Swaziland, and Zimbabwe.

Description

It is a vine-shaped succulent perennial growing to 2-5 cm tall and spreading to reach a maximum of 2-4 m in length. Its leaves are heart-shaped, about 1-2 cm wide and long. When exposed to sufficient light they are deep green, in low light the leaves are pale green. With age, a caudal branch develops at its base. The roots, and occasionally the stems, often develop tubers. Nodes are formed on the stems, and is likely the reason for the common name rosary vine.

The flower is generally similar to those of other Ceropegia species. The corolla grows to 3 cm in length and is a color mix of pale white and magenta. The five petals are a deep purple.

Flowers.

Cultivation and uses

Ceropegia woodii is a very popular houseplant, often grown in hanging baskets so that from the long creeping stem the branches can hang with their leaves spaced like a row of large stones. Several cultivars have been selected, some with variegated leaves.

Excellent water drainage is required, should be watered only when dry, and should never be in water. Excess water should be removed from the plant saucer after watering. They can be grown outdoors only in subtropical and tropical zones, with a minimum temperature of 15 °C. Partial shading is useful when the plant is grown outdoors.

Taxonomy

Ceropegia woodii was described by Rudolf Schlechter and published in Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, Pflanzengeschichte und Pflanzengeographie 18(Beibl. 45): 34. 1894.

Sinonimia

• Ceropegia barbertonensis N.E.Br.
• Ceropegia euryacme Schltr.
• Ceropegia tillta N.E. Br.
• Ceropegia necklaceicorona Werderm.
• Ceropegia leptocarpa Schltr.
• Ceropegia linearis subsp. woodii (Schltr.) H.Huber
• Ceropegia schoenlandii N.E.Br.