Common Name:

General Information

Huernia keniensis is an evergreen, prostrate to erect, low-growing, succulent, leafless, perennial plant. It forms a small clump of five-angled stems, up to 12cm long and around 1cm in diameter[].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local medicinal use. It is grown as an ornamental in rock gardens and containers[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

East tropical Africa - Kenya, Tanzania.

Habitat

Stony to rocky localities, usually in bright shade, at elevations from 1,500 - 2,000 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.10 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of drier regions in the tropical and subtropical regions. The plant should be kept relatively dry in the cold season at temperatures not lower than 10°c[].
Grows best in bright shade, it should not be exposed to direct sun because that makes it turn brown, and stops growth[]. The plant prefers a gritty, fast draining soil, which needs to get quite dry before watering[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The sap from the stem is applied to wounds in order to dry them[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow in individual containers, placing each seed about 5mm below soil level. Do not water from above because of the risk of fungal diseases, but soak the pots by partially immersing them in water and then enclose them in tightly sealed plastic bags. Place in a lightly shaded position at a temperature around 22 - 25°c and germination should take place within a few days[]. Keep the plant out of direct light for at least the first 2 - 3 months[].
Stem cuttings root easily[]. Choose stems that are young, but mature, and around 10cm long. Leave the cutting in a bright, airy, dry place for 7 - 10 days for the cut surface to heal, then place them in a freely-draining compost, where they should root well within 3 - 5 weeks[].

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