Dorstenia
Botanical name: Dorstenia
Dorstenia
Botanical name: Dorstenia
Description
Dorstenia species are predominantly herbaceous, succulent, or suffrutescent perennials. Only 10% exhibit the typical woody habit of the Moraceae. The leaves mostly are arranged in spirals and rosettes, and rarely as two-rowed leaves. Usually they are leathery, sometimes large, leaf-like and durable or sometimes small, awl-shaped and quickly falling off. The globular, tapered, or warty flowers are unisexual. Dorstenia species have drupe like fruits that are embedded in the receptable. The stone seeds are usually small with a minuscule endosperm. The species are fairly equally distributed between the Afrotropics and Neotropics. 
Species of Dorstenia
Foetid dorstenia
Foetid dorstenia is a fascinating plant that produces a strong odor when its leaves are crushed. Its distinctive leaves are heart-shaped and its small flowers are often hidden within the foliage. In its native West Africa, it is also used for spiritual purposes by some cultures.
Congo fig
A member of the fig family, congo fig can be grown as an annual or as an easy-care houseplant. This plant self-sows readily. Seeds can be found sprouting in the pots of other houseplants.
Tusilla
Tusilla is native to northern South America and Central America. Its scientific name, Dorstenia contrajerva, was given in 1753 and was derived from the Spanish word "contrayerba", which essentially means "against herb." The seeds are explosively expelled from their seed pods, allowing tusilla to reseed easily. It is a distant relative of the fig tree.
Scientific Classification
Botanist in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
