Dorstenia lavrani --Tabia Gorge Shield Flower--

attractive plant that forms a symmetrical grove with many succulent wax-like stems patterned with spiraling rows of whitish leaf scars and topped with a rosette of attractively crisped leaves. It has the appearance of a compact grove of palm trees and is perhaps the most attractive of all of the Dorstenias. The stems grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) tall and up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. Leaves are elliptic to obovate, up to 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) long and up to 0.7 inches (1.8 cm) broad. Cultural RequirementsSun Exposure Full sun from early ageLight shade when youngLight shade in dry, hot climatesFrost Tolerance NoneWater Requirements ModerateAppearanceGrowth Rate SlowGrowth Form SubshrubSucculentOrnamental Value BreathtakingUsesProperties DeciduousEvergreenHazards Child and Pet FriendlyGardening BonsaiIndoorOrnamentalPotted flowers occur in masses on fleshy receptacles that appear solitary in the leaf axils on up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) long peduncles. The receptacles are up to 0.6 inches (1.5 cm) in diameter. Dorstenia lavrani is the only species of Dorstenia that is dioecious in which the male and female flowers are on separate plants.