Boucerosia europaea Caruel
European Caralluma
Boucerosia europaea Caruel is the historical name for the only caralluma native to Europe and the western Mediterranean. The currently accepted name is Apteranthes europaea (Guss.) Meve & Liede (also a synonym of Caralluma europaea). It is a spineless cactiform succulent with fleshy tetragonal stems that produces star-shaped fetid-smelling flowers to attract fly pollinators. It grows in arid rocky outcrops, esparto grasslands and dry scrub of North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula and Mediterranean islands.
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© Krzysztof Ziarnek (Kenraiz), Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Boucerosia |
| Growth Habit | Perennial herbaceous succulent, caespitose, with erect to decumbent tetragonal stems, without true leaves |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (LC) across most of its range; locally threatened in southern Europe |
| pH Target | 7.0–8.0 |
| Type | Sandy-gravelly, calcareous, with excellent drainage |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Sandy-gravelly, calcareous, with excellent drainage
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
S
O
Every 2–3 years
Cactus fertilizer diluted to 50%, once a month in summer
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Mildly toxic if ingested; latex glycosides may cause digestive irritation
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Plant Health
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"The taxonomy of this group is complex: Boucerosia europaea, Caralluma europaea and Apteranthes europaea are three names applied to the same plant at different times. The currently accepted name by Plants of the World Online is Apteranthes europaea."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.