HomeDelicate tissue paper like flowers combined with chunky sparsely spined stems make Sarcocaulons some of the most unusual and interestingly beautiful members of the Geraniaceae family.
Members of this genus have been commonly called bushmans candles due to the translucent flammable wax coating covering the stems of these plants. Many of the species are used as firewood. Presumably this wax coating acts as a moisture retentive barrier allowing the plants to withstand the harsh extremes of climate found in the western parts of S. Africa and Namibia.
A detailed revision of the taxonomic history of Sarcocaulons was made by R.O. Moffet (Bothalia 12,4 1979). Moffet divides the Genus into four subgenera covering a total of fourteen species.
A valuable reference covering cultivation and population detail is to be found in "The Sarcocaulons of Southern Africa" by Charles Craib, published by The South African Pelargonium and Geranium Society, PO Box 55342, Northlands Gauteng, 2116 South Africa $19.50 plus postage.
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1. Crenatum The three species in this sub-genus have leaf margins that are lobed or coarsely toothed, irregularly crenate or dentate.
Left to right above:
2. Denticulatum This section has plants whose leaf margin is not lobed but rather is minutely toothed, irregular denticulate and undulate to sinuous.
S. inerme
3. Multifidum The three species in this section have leaves that are segmented.
Left to right above:
4. Sarcocaulon The species in this section have leaf blades without lateral incisions or indentations
Left to right S. l'heritieri, S. patersonii, S. vanderietiae
Of the above fourteen listed species S. camdeboense and S. vanderietiae appear to be exclusively found in the summer rainfall regions of South Africa. Occasional winter rainfall may be experienced . S. crassicaule and S. salmoniflorum are found in winter and summer rainfall regions as well as the transitional zones between them. Flowering and seed setting are associated with mild or warm weather and peaks in precipitation. The remaining species are from the winter rainfall areas in Western Africa and Namibia. In cultivation it appears best not to let plants go into dormancy and to water year round. This can be a fine line since overwatering can cause unnatural growth. Comments on this are solicited.
Widely distributed and commonly found throughout the winter rainfall regions the the Cape Province and sthe southwestern half of Namibia. S. crassocaule is found mostly on low stony ridges. In the winter months it may experience mild to severe frosts. Here in Seattle I've had good success in setting and germinating seed.
Found on quartz ridges in the northern half the western Namaqualand and the southern half of the western Richtersveld S. ciliatum is a winter grower.
S. flavescens is found in the most arid areas of the southwestern corner of Namibia. Sometimes this area receives no rain for several years!
S. marlothii
S. mossamedense
Found in rocky foothills of southwestern Namibia S. inerme produces leaves and flowers whenever there has been rain. As with other Sarcocaulons from these low and sporadic rainfall areas seed is set after short rainfall periods and often remains in the soil for several years before conditions are moist enough for germination.