Cyphostemma currorii is a succulent tree belonging to the family Vitaceae and reaching a height of 6 meters or more. This plant is also known as cobas tree and butter tree. Cyphostemma currorii is found in hot, arid rocky places, and has been seen from southern Angola to Namibia and is common on the Brandberg. This species was named after Andrew B. Curror, a Royal Navy surgeon, from the vessel HMS Waterwitch, who first collected specimens of the tree at Elephant's Bay in Angola in the 1840s - the genus Curroria Planch. is also after him. The foliage and fruit of this genus are rich in oxalic acid, so that the leaves are shunned by browsers, though the fruit is relished by baboons and monkeys.
Cobas tree has moderate disease resistance but is more sensitive to humidity. It becomes vulnerable to disease in high-humidity conditions and is liable to develop root rot during dormancy. In terms of care, Cobas tree tolerates drought yet requires more frequent watering in the growing season. Watering should be greatly reduced or stopped entirely during the dormant period. Cobas tree is appropriate for people with some growing experience, since it can be challenging to care for, particularly while dormant. It is especially suited to those who can devote time to its upkeep during the winter months.
How to keep Cyphostemma Currorii.
Light
The Cobas tree comes from environments with dappled light—such as the forest understory or rocky locations—that provide natural shade. It favors partial sun but is also able to tolerate full sun.
Humidity
This plant prefers dry conditions, so don't mist it. However, watering it less often can also thrive in higher humidity.
Temperature
Although the Cobas tree can tolerate some heat, it predominantly thrives and grows in the cooler months and goes dormant in summer. In hot summer weather, provide shade to avoid scorching from intense sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest period to prevent root rot. The tree shows vigorous growth in winter and spring, and as long as temperatures do not drop too low, it will continue to grow steadily.
Fertilizer
For the Cobas tree, light applications of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are enough. Do not fertilize in winter or in summer when the tree is dormant. Use less fertilizer for plants that have been repotted and wait a couple of months after repotting before you resume fertilizing. Fertilizing helps maintain healthy growth and promotes blooming.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Succulent
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Cyphostemma
- Family
- Vitaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 0.91 m to 3.05 m
- Mature Spread
- 0.91 m to 2.13 m
- Leaf Color
- Light Green, Olive
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Early fall
- Native Area
- Namibia, Angola
Other names.
