Uncarina stellulifera

Perhaps the rarest member of this caudiciform genus endemic to Madagascar, Uncarina stellulifera grows on the Mahafaly limestone plateau near the spiny forest and port city of Tulear. Its range covers only about 500 square kilometers, relatively little territory on the fourth largest island in the world. This pink-flowered species is probably even rarer in cultivation, where the yellow-flowered U. decaryi and U. grandidieri are more frequently seen. Its highly saturated blooms, sometimes streaked with intricate white striations, almost resemble Adenium despite this genus being in the sesame family.
Like other Uncarina, it produces notorious “mousetrap” seed pods armed with formidable hooked spines. In this species, however, the hooks are too large and widely spaced to clasp the fur of small mammals effectively. They are thought to have instead attached to the feet of Madagascar’s extinct elephant birds, the largest birds known to have ever lived. Their disappearance would have left the plant without its primary seed disperser, helping explain its rarity. Our plants are rarely offered seed grown examples, ideal for succulent bonsai or an unusual landscape specimen.

pot size: 1 gal

genus: Uncarina
family: Pedaliaceae

care & cultivation:

growing season: summer

what growing season means

Active growth occurs in warmer months.
water level: moderate

what water level means

Let the mix dry slightly, but not fully. Water when the top half feels dry. Avoid extremes.
light level: 30% shade

what light level means

Bright greenhouse conditions or strong natural exposure. Outdoors: usually at least 4-6 hours of direct morning light, or all day under ~30% shade cloth. Indoors: the highest light a south-facing window can provide, though supplemental lighting is recommended.
min/max temp: 40°F/100°F

what min/max temp means

40°F — Short cold dips are manageable, but prolonged exposure causes stress. Typical of arid regions in winter, with near-freezing nights and warm daytime recovery.
100°F — Characteristic of desert and semi-desert heat. Prolonged exposure requires shading, irrigation, and cooling strategies.
humidity level: adaptable

what humidity level means

Tolerates a wide range of conditions, from dry air to very humid environments, without significant stress.
dormancy water: none

what dormancy water means

Withhold all water during dormancy. Keep dry until active growth resumes.
potting mix: very fast-draining

what potting mix means

Loose, stony soils with coarse particles and almost no fines. Comparable to dry landscapes where rain drains away immediately.

some plants speak for themselves,
we're just here to make the introduction.

our nursery grew out of a shared belief that rare plants shouldn't stay rare forever. that's why we propagate the plants we'd be excited to receive and offer them directly, without the usual markup

common questions

how do you ship plants?

Very carefully. Each plant is individually packed by hand using materials suited to its size, shape, and needs, usually by the same person who grew it. Heat packs are available during colder months but are not reliable below 15 degrees. If needed, we can hold an order for up to two weeks. All shipments include a California Nursery Stock Certificate for Interstate and Intrastate Shipments.

when does my order arrive?

We ship on Mondays to avoid weekend delays. Most orders go out within a few days, but weather may delay things slightly. USPS Ground Advantage is standard, with Priority available at checkout. You’ll get tracking once your order ships. We don’t have control over carrier speed or when your package is scanned in, but if something seems off or it’s stuck in transit, let us know and we’ll do our best to help.

will I receive the plant pictured?

If the listing description includes "you will recieve the plant pictured", then yes, that’s the one you’ll get. For general listings, you’ll receive a plant of similar size and quality to what’s shown. We grow or hand-select everything ourselves, so what you see is a fair representation of what we send out.

will my plant arrive potted?

Most plants ship bare-root, but we occasionally send them potted when it’s better for the plant. When we ship with soil, we use clean, inorganic media to meet USDA and state requirements for plant shipments.

what if my plant arrives damaged?

Contact us within 3 days of receiving your plant. Send a few clear photos and a short note. The same people who packed your plant have sent out thousands before, but plants are living things and we’ll work with you if something goes wrong.

where can I find care info?

Each product page includes species-specific care notes in an interactive table. Tap the ⓘ icon on any category to reveal detailed guidance. Still unsure? Just ask! Chances are we’ve personally dealt with whatever you’re facing.

do you grow everything yourselves?

Most of it, yes. The vast majority of our plants are propagated by us at our NorCal facility. The rest come from growers we know and trust. We don’t sell wild-collected material, and we never buy from bulk suppliers pushing unlabeled stock grown under questionable conditions. Because we grow most things ourselves and stay small by design, we’re able to keep prices comparable to overseas sellers without cutting corners or sending out half-rooted plants that were never meant to last.

do you offer wholesale?

Yes, our separate wholesale site is currently under construction, but you can reach out on our contact form. Not all plants are available and there are minimum order quantities. Access is limited to those engaged in a commercial trade. If you’d like to open an account, please get in touch with us. And if you think your local nursery should carry our plants, feel free to point them our way.