Description: C. bainesii a deciduous succulent
shrub or small tree that grows up to 1,5 (5)m high with thick or bottle
shaped trunks (caudex) up to 40 cm wide. It is very similar to C. juttae,
but shorter and fatter. Bark is papery and smooth, very attractive,
clear yellowish-brown to pastel and peeling in rings to reveal
grey-green.
Leaves: Huge, bright yellowish-green to
glaucous green often with red undulated margins covered with a fairly
dense fuzz.
Flowers: In a lose inflorescence on mature
plants and are followed by ornamental, orange grapes (don't eat them
they are high in tannic acid and not sweet) they may be slightly toxic.
Cultivation: Grows in a rich, well drained soil with some water
and lots of sun throughout the year. It is suited to greenhouse culture
but do well out of doors in Mediterranean climate. It doesn't like the
wet winter but will survive. Water plentifully in summer but keep
absolutely dry in winter. Mature plants are hardy to -3C, but it is best
to avoid freezing temperatures. Propagate usually from seed that must be
prepared, aged and scarified and even then germination is uncertain or
by cuttings.
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