Dorstenia foetida

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One of the more charming succulent members of Moraceae, the family most famous for fig trees. The large, disc-like flowers of Dorstenia are essentially inverted figs, displaying th eir reproductive organs externally rather than hidden to entrap the famous fig wasp. The specific epithet of this popular, easy-to-grow species refers to a supposed fetid odor, but we’ve never found the white sap much different from the other members of the genus, not particularly bad but weird. Almost like a tropical-smelling sunscreen with a hint of wet compost. Unlike close relatives lavranii and horwoodii, this species is easy to propagate (if not extremely prolific), and can often make hybrids with other members of the genus through mysterious means. That doesn’t mean it’s a pest, though, as this species remains ever-popular and can actually be quite slow to grow into an impressive multi-branched specimen. One of the best beginner caudiciforms, and a rewarding species that yields many "volunteers" in nearby pots when grown in a sufficiently humid environment, away from unwanted but compatible mates. Show more