Frerea Indica | Frerea | Apocynaceae

Frerea indica: A Unique Succulent with Persistent Leaves

Introduction to Frerea indica

Frerea indica, also known as Boucerosia frerei or Ceropegia frerei, is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Apocynaceae. It is native to the Junnar hill forest in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, India. This unique tropical stapeliad is the only species of stapeliad that produces persistent leaves.

The plant has trailing or pendulous stems that can grow up to 2 meters long. The succulent leaves grow during seasonal rain and can be shed in dry conditions. Frerea indica produces beautiful convex red starfish flowers that are spotted with sulfur yellow. The flowers are about 5 cm in diameter and have a pleasant fragrance. They bloom in the summer and fall and are pollinated by flies and beetles.

This plant is a fleshy perennial succulent herb that is easy to grow and care for. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade. It can be propagated by stem cuttings or seeds. Frerea indica is a great addition to any succulent collection and can be grown indoors or outdoors.

Frerea indica is a unique and beautiful succulent that is sure to impress any plant enthusiast. Its persistent leaves and stunning flowers make it a must-have for any collection. With proper care, this plant can thrive and bring joy for years to come.

Habitat and Distribution

Frerea indica is a succulent plant native to the Western Ghats and Deccan plateau in Maharashtra, India. It is a small, fleshy perennial herb with trailing or pendulous stems that can grow up to 1 meter in length. The plant grows in large flattish patches on bare rock hillside, at an altitude of 1000 meters.

Frerea indica is the only species of Stapeliad that produces persistent leaves. The succulent leaves grow during seasonal rain and can be shed in dry conditions. The plant also produces beautiful convex red starfish flowers spotted with sulphur yellow. The flowers are about 2 cm in diameter and have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators.

Frerea indica is a stem succulent CAM plant with deciduous leaves. During the winter in greenhouse culture, it is a leafless stem succulent resembling the other members of the Stapelieae subfamily. The plant is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts.

To grow Frerea indica, it is best to plant it in well-draining soil and water it sparingly. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight. It is also important to protect the plant from frost and cold temperatures.

Physical Description

Frerea indica is a unique tropical succulent that belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family. It is native to the Junnar hill forest in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, India, where it grows in large flattish patches on bare rock hillside at an altitude of 1000 meters.

What makes Frerea indica unique among other stapeliads is that it produces persistent leaves. The succulent leaves grow during seasonal rain and can be shed in dry conditions. The stems of Frerea indica are leafy, semi-erect, and then pendant, producing beautiful convex red starfish flowers spotted with sulfur yellow. The flowers are about 3 cm in diameter and have a sweet fragrance that attracts pollinators.

Frerea indica is a fleshy perennial succulent herb that can grow up to 30 cm in length. Its stems are trailing or pendulous, and it prefers well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight. It is a CAM plant, which means it opens its stomata at night to absorb carbon dioxide and store it as malic acid, which is then used during the day for photosynthesis.

Cultivation and Care

Frerea indica is a unique tropical succulent that belongs to the Asclepiadaceae family. It is native to the Junnar hill forest in the Western Ghats in Maharashtra, India, where it