Pseudolithos migiurtinus

 Pseudolithos migiurtinus is one of the rarest of the succulent milkweeds (Asclepiadaceae).  It occurs naturally in a very difficult country to get into (and most importantly, out of); Somalia.  Somalia is a dry tropical country on the east coast of Africa, just above Kenya.  These plants, like most of the succulent milkweeds (stapeliads) are generally fly pollinated and conveniently smell like rotten meat or some type of manure.  This species is usually single stemmed, so propagating them by cuttings is not a winning situation.  They are successfully grown from seed once the seed is in hand.  The plant pictured at left is in a 2 1/4 inch square pot, so the plant is about 4 inches tall and the  4 (yes count them, 4!  Hurray!) seedpods each have about 15 to 20 seeds in them. 
 I seem to be blessed with a species of fly that is able to pollinate this plant.  (No, I did not import this fly from Africa.)  The flowers are about 1/4 inch across and occur mostly during the summer, but it is not unusual to see them virtually year round inside a heated greenhouse.  
Care for P. migiurtinus is not difficult, but mistakes are costly.  If rot sets in, there is practically no time, nor warning, before the plant turns to expensive mush.  I water 2 to 3 times a week during the hot summer, under very strong light (not full sun) and once a week during sunny winter days.  (Please remember that I live in the arid southwest, so temper my suggestions with your weather.)  I would suggest to first have some success with some other stapeliads before rushing out and acquiring a pseudolithos.  This plant is a candidate for under-potting, as long as you keep it watered.  Chronic under-watering will induce rot almost as fast as over-watering.  The seedlings pictured below are nestled in 5/16 inch pumice and are 5-6 months old.