Edithcolea

     Found in Kenya, Somalia and Tanzania, Edithcolea is a monotypic stapeliad with wonderfully colored spiky stems and magnificent flowers. Edithcolea grandis is the only member of the genus, named after Edith Cole who discovered it in Somalia in the late 1800's. The stems vary in color from mottled green to brown and bear hard pale yellow or tan teeth that are convincingly menacing but harmless. The five lobed flowers are patterned in reddish brown and tan reminiscent of an oriental rug, hence the common name, "Persian Carpet Plant".
     Edithcolea are very rot prone and should be grown in a well draining mix and watered carefully. They can be propagated by seeds and stem cuttings. Cuttings should only be taken when temperatures are consistently above 80 degrees.
     This is my second shot at Edithcolea. The first was a bare rooted cutting from Shoal Creek. I lost it to rot within a couple weeks. I hope to have better luck with this one. I picked this up allready rooted in a pot at Bachs. It seems healthy, lets hope it stays that way. I'm anxiously awaiting a flower.