Dorstenia horwoodii aka Dorstenia Horwoodii

Dorstenia horwoodii is a small succulent that lives for years. It belongs to the mulberry family, Moraceae. It comes from Somalia and grows in dry shrubland or desert. One known site is a limestone plateau near Eyl. This lies in Nugaal Province. Plants grow in rock cracks and small holes in large boulders. LLIFLE treats its name as a synonym of Dorstenia foetida. Yet that account makes clear that this plant is perennial. The name honours Frank Horwood. He collected the plant in Somalia.

Wild plants reach about 0.16 feet (0.05 metres) tall. They grow taller in gardens, but the source gives no firm size. Fresh leaves grow in spring. They are silvery green, with crimped surfaces. Small, rounded teeth line their edges. These teeth are called crenulations. The leaves turn gold before they fall. This adds interest through the seasons, beyond the flowers. Plants may shed some leaves as they enter winter rest.

Small flower heads rise above the leaves on long stalks. These flower stalks, called peduncles, stand upright or spread out. They reach about twice the length of the leaves. Each greenish head forms a flat disc. Star-like parts, called appendages, grow around its edge. The receptacle holds both male and female flower parts. These include female ovaries and male anthers. The source does not say when the plant blooms. It gives no account of the fruit.

When grown in a pot, this species needs warmth. It also needs a mix that drains well. LLIFLE allows bright light through to full shade. It calls for fairly high moisture in the air. While the plant grows, keep its roots from drying out fully. Let the mix dry a little between waterings. Do not leave it soggy for long. Cut back water sharply in winter, when growth partly rests. Its dry home range does not mean pots need constant drought.

LLIFLE advises one feed in the growing season. Use a balanced fertiliser at half the label strength. Its main appeal comes from its small size and silver-green leaves. The raised flower discs also add to its looks. The supplied sources give no frost limit or outdoor hardiness zone. They name no pests or diseases for this species. They do not establish any edible parts or uses as medicine. Nor do they establish safety for people or pets. These gaps do not mean the plant is safe.