Dorstenia gigas


Dorstenia gigas (Socotra)

Dorstenia gigas is a succulent plant endemic to the island of Socotra- an extraordinary island belonging to Yemen. It is situated at the entrance of the Gulf of Aden, across from the tip of Somalia.

Dorstenia Gigas plant from cutting, about 4 years old.
The caudex recoupled with time.

From the Fig Family (Moraceae), Dorstenia gigas is highly prized for its beauty. It is very rarely available from producers.

Dorstenia gigas plant from cutting, about 7 years old.

The scarcity of Dorstenia gigas is due to two main reasons:

- Socotra Island - "Island of Bliss" and "Forgotten Island" - has always been very isolated from the world and is hard to access much of the year.

- Dorstenia gigas is hard to reproduce by cuttings or by layering and rarely produces seeds.

Flowers (hypanthodium) from Dorstenia Gigas. Right: capsules containing seeds (November 2008)

Le Jardin Naturel (www.baobabs.com) has been trying to produce Dorstenia gigas for many years.

Visit of a ladybug on a flower (hypanthodium) from Dorstenia Gigas, seeds visible (November 2008)

In 2008, the first seeds of Dorstenia gigas appeared on adult plants- the resut of many years of waiting and hoping.

Seedlings (2011 / 01)

Young plant Dorstenia gigas, from seed (March 2009)

By dint of patience and perseverance, Le Jardin Naturel is now able to offer for sale some seeds, seedlings and cuttings of Dorstenia gigas. See HERE

A plant of Dorstenia gigas (rooted cutting) similar to those available online.
The caudex reproduced over time.