Xerophyte

Description

Caralluma quadrangula is a succulent bush, 25-40(-50) cm high, up to 80 cm broad with stems irregularly branched and compressed. It is unique on account of the solitary yellow flower in each inflorescence. Each flower is subtended by a minute acute bract and together these constitute an entire inflorescence.

Inflorescences

Sessile close to the apices of the branches, 1-flowered, situated very slightly to the side of the leaf below it and so most probably occupies an extra-axillary position, as is usual among the Stapelieae.

Similar Species

C. quadrangula is closely related to Caralluma cicatricosa. Both species have 1-flowered seemingly axillary inflorescences, extremely thick and short pedicels, a characteristic odour of the stems and 3-ridged fruits. But C. quadrangula differs especially in colour and the surface of the corolla which is smooth in the former and coarsely rugulose in the latter. They also differ markedly in scent

Flowers

Greenish or lemon-coloured (rarely white or pinkish), with fruity-sweetish odour. Pedicel 6-7 mm long. Bracts solitary, acute, delicate. Corolla 12-13 mm in diameter, flat to slightly bowl-shaped, tube 2.5 mm long, deeply 5-cleft. Lobes more or less erect, ovate tapering, 6-12 mm long, margins recurved, inner surface pale yellow, smooth, bare. Limb small. Corona darker yellow than the corolla, long-stalked, surpassing the tube.

Stem

1-3 cm in diameter, green to brownish-green, erect, 4-angled, angles obtuse, blunt, tubercles indistinct, sides almost flat.