Dorstenia CONTRAJERVA

Dorstenia is a genus of plants in the mulberry family (Moraceae), comprising about 100–170 species distributed in tropical Africa, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia, India, and tropical regions of the Americas, distinguished by unusual disc-shaped inflorescences and a diversity of life forms - from herbaceous perennials to caudiciform succulents.

Members of the genus can be rhizomatous, herbaceous, or subshrubby. In caudiciform forms, thickened stems or rhizomes develop that serve as moisture reservoirs and allow them to endure drought periods. The leaves are mostly entire or faintly lobed, on long petioles, with distinct venation, and in some species - partially fleshy.

A distinctive feature is the flat or slightly convex "saucers" of inflorescences, on the surface of which minute apetalous flowers are situated. After ripening, seeds are expelled with noticeable force, ensuring active dispersal.

Dorstenia contrajerva has a stem 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) in height, covered with leaf scars from fallen leaves. The leaves are dark green, slightly pubescent, long-petioled, and oddly pinnatifid in shape. The inflorescence is quadrangular with upward-curving margins; bracts are absent. Native home - tropical forests of Central America. The plant received its specific epithet - contrajerva ("counter-poison") - for the use of its juice as a remedy against venomous snakebites. The roots of this plant are used as an antipyretic, diaphoretic, and diuretic remedy. It is tolerant of low light. Thermophilic. In care, it is neither difficult nor demanding. Highly ornamental.

Propagation by seed sowing is preferred. The seeds are small, light brown, smooth, and are expelled upon ripening. Before sowing, soaking for 4–6 hours in a weak potassium permanganate solution with added stimulants (SUPERthrive, HB-101, Aminosol, Epin, or Zircon) is permitted.

Sowing is performed on the surface with light pressing onto a sterile light substrate based on peat and perlite or a mineral mix with the addition of fine sand. The sowing is moistened with a spray bottle, placed in a greenhouse, or covered with film. The temperature is maintained at 22–26 °C (72–79 °F), and daily airing is provided.

Seedlings emerge within 14–30 days; the minimum period is about 10 days, and the maximum possible period can exceed 60 days. After several true leaves develop, careful prick-potting is performed. As growth progresses, humidity is gradually reduced and lighting is increased.

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It is placed in bright diffused light; morning or evening direct sun is tolerated. Midday rays are shielded to prevent leaf scorch. Placement on east and southeast windows is suitable; if light is deficient, supplemental lighting is used. Under weak lighting, growth slows down and compactness declines.

During active growth, the temperature is maintained at 20–30 °C (68–86 °F). In winter, maintenance is possible at 15–18 °C (59–64 °F). Prolonged chilling below 12 °C (54 °F) is undesirable. Watering is moderate, with mandatory drying of the substrate between waterings. In cool periods, watering is significantly reduced. Waterlogging is not permitted.

A loose, well-drained substrate with a predominance of mineral components is used - sand, perlite, pumice with the addition of a small amount of leaf mold. Drainage is mandatory. A stable, shallow pot is selected. Repotting is carried out in spring as the root volume fills the pot.

Fertilizers are applied in the warm season 2–3 times with a weak solution of complete mineral fertilizer or succulent formulations. The plant does not require pruning.