The distribution of Larryleachia picta is from central Botswana to southern Namibia.
The succulent plants grow in arid desert like areas and prefer high light intensity.
The cultivation of Larryleachia picta is not difficult provided the soil has good drainage and allowed to dry out between waterings. Similar to other Asclepiads, good ventilation is essential to prevent rot.
The plants can withstand mild frost quite well. Temperatures of up to -5 deg. Celsius have apparently had no negative impact on them.
Larryleachia picta has been known by various other names. These older names are either from plants previously regarded as separate species or are invalid for other reasons. These include Trichocaulon meloforme, Larryleachia meloformis, Lavrania picta subsp. picta, Leachia meloformis, Leachia picta, Leachiella meloformis, Leachiella picta, Trichocaulon engleri, Trichocaulon pictum, Trichocaulon simile, Hoodia meloformis.
Larryleachia picta in cultivation.
Larryleachia picta flower and buds.
Family: Apocynaceae
Distribution: Namibia
Photographs: Desert Plants
Larryleachia dinteri
Larryleachia dinteri occurs in the Namib desert in Namibia. Although the rainfall is exceedingly low in this area, the plants do receive moisture from night and early morning fog.
Larryleachia dinteri flowers.
Larryleachia perlata is a small spineless succulent from the family Apocynaceae. Larryleachias are related to the genus Hoodia. The plants are found in very hot and arid places in the Northern Cape including the Richtersveld desert.
Larryleachia perlata is easy to grow from seed which germinates readily. The plants are however rather difficult to keep alive. They often succumb to rot due to over watering, and are susceptible to Fusarium attack.
The plants should be kept dry in winter and the minimum temperature should preferable not be below -3 deg Celsius, although some literature suggests that the plants can withstand considerably lower temperatures.
Larryleachia perlata from Vaalheuwel.
Larryleachia perlata from Hellskloof.