Caralluma lutea N.E.Br.
Yellow Caralluma
Succulent with bright yellow to yellow-green flowers, unusually showy for a genus dominated by brown and purple tones. Described by N.E. Brown, now recognised by many authors under the name Orbea lutea (N.E.Br.) Bruyns. Shows notable morphological variability: var. lateritia has brick-orange flowers, while subsp. vaga (previously treated as Caralluma nebrownii by some authors) is distributed further north. Grows in stony soils of dry savanna and open woodland.
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
© SAplants / Wikimedia Commons
CC BY-SA 4.0
Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Genus | Caralluma |
| Growth Habit | Clump-forming succulent with erect to semi-prostrate quadrangular stems, 10–30 cm tall |
| Conservation Status | Not formally assessed by IUCN; population considered stable within its native range |
| pH Target | 6.0–7.5 |
| Type | Well-drained sandy-stony soil; neutral to slightly acidic pH |
Origin & Habitat
Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Well-drained sandy-stony soil; neutral to slightly acidic pH
groups Beneficial Associations
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Propagation Strategy
S
W
Every 2–3 years in spring, when roots fill the pot
Diluted cactus fertiliser in spring and early summer; never in winter
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Not toxic to humans; sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
"The taxonomy of this species is complex: Bruyns transferred it to the genus Orbea in 2000. The var. lateritia and subsp. vaga represent the geographical variability within the taxon. The historical botanical illustration in Curtis's Botanical Magazine (t. 8267, 1909) was made from material of Caralluma nebrownii, currently considered conspecific with C. lutea subsp. vaga."
chevron_right edit_note Proposed edits auto-approved at +3 net votes
No pending proposals for this section.
Scientific Integrity
🟢 HighVote to help validate this record
Sources
Loading…
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.