Cyphostemma currorii

Cyphostemma currorii Cyphostemma currorii

What is the plant

Cyphostemma currorii is a succulent tree belonging to the family Vitaceae and reaching a height of 6 meters or more. This plant is also known as cobas tree and butter tree. Cyphostemma currorii is found in hot, arid rocky places.

Cyphostemma currorii grows in a vast area from southern Angola to north-western and west-central Namibia and is common on the Windhoek district and is most noteworthy on outcrops in the Karibib area as well as being common on the Brandberg. Most common on the north-central plateau. It is often localised. This species is found in hot, arid rocky outcrops, often growing on steep slopes. The foliage and fruit of this genus are rich in oxalic acid, so that the leaves are shunned by browsers, though the fruit is relished by baboons and monkeys. Cyphostemma currorii is potentially threatened by the pachycaul trade.

If you’ve recognized any mistakes feel free to notify us about it. This would help us to provide only the best-quality information.

Humidity

Dry

Lighting

Full Sun

Temperature

min -3°C

Hardiness zone

10b - 11b

Difficulty

Medium

Toxicity

Poisonous

Water
The plant is drought tolerant, but it appreciates plentifully of water during the summer growing season, but keep dry in winter in order to prevent rotting. As with all succulents one must be careful not to over-water. These plants can survive with very little water and too often plants die as a result of too much water. Despite coming from areas that are dry in winter, it can adapt to wet-winter areas like coastal California. If one lives in a very wet area, it is best to rather keep plants in big containers where they can be easily moved to a sheltered place.
Sunlight
It like lots of sun throughout the year.
Fertilizer
Soil quality can also be improved dramatically by lightly working some bone meal into the soil. As a rule of thumb, use only organic products, such as those based on seaweed extract, especially if plants are going to be fed on a regular basis. Organic products won't burn or damage plants.

Want to learn more about plants?

Explore our easy-to-read educational Blog

Soil
A fast-draining, rich cactus mix should be used when potting. Outdoor plant it in a loamy or sandy soil where drainage is optimal.
Temperature
Mature plants are hardy to -3° C (or less), but it is best to avoid freezing temperatures especially if the plants are young. Cyphostemma comes from the hot, dry areas of southern Africa, so it has no problem taking temperatures up to 40° C; however, it may need some afternoon shade in hot climates to avoid leaf burn.
Container
If growing in a container, choose a pot with enough drainage holes.