Crafty Ceropegia

Ceropegia, to me, have some of the most unusual flowers, so many in fact, I decided to do a whole post dedicated to just them.

There are over 300 species of Ceropegia, the most commonly known, I think, is the chain of hearts.

Credit - Cambridge Bee

Credit Wikipedia - Ceropegia woodii

But there are so many more, to be honest, more than even I realised until I started researching, all just as unique and wonderful as each other.

Credit World of Succulents- Ceropegia armandii

Ceropegia range massively in foliage, and are found natively throughout Africa, Southern Asia and Australia.

Credit Hildor - Ceropegia radicans 

Credit Pinterest - Ceropegia haygarthii 

I couldn't help it,the magnificent spotted and contrast between colours captivated me. This is the beautiful Ceropegia haygarthii.

Credit Steven Neuwirth - Ceropegia stapeliiformis sp serpentina 

In 2021, a new member of the Ceropegia family was discovered.

Ceropegia heidukiae. 

This new species can be found in South Africa, and appears to be fond of the Northern Zululand Mistbelt Grassland, which, sadly is greatly under threat.

Credit David Styles - Ceropegia heidukiae

But why do these plants have such an usually and intricately specific flowers?

Simple. Pollination.

Credit Asucculent.com - Ceropegia hirsuta

Credit Reddit - Ceropegia sandersonii

Ceropegias have an interesting way of pollinating, they have adapted themselves to be masters in the capture and release of insects for the benefit of reproduction. They do this through chemical mimicry, which attracts insects, largely flies, which are then captured in pitfalls, where they are held captive, wriggling around, unknowingly batheing in pollen, before being released, and starting it all over again.

Such fascinating plants, I could go on forever! If anyone would like more, let me know and I'll make a 2.0!