Family: Apocynaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Huernia longii is a small, low-growing succulent native to southern Africa, where it is adapted to dry, rocky environments. It forms clumping stems with distinct ridges and produces unusual, star-shaped flowers that are often deep red to brown with patterned markings. Like many huernias, its flowers can have a carrion-like scent that attracts pollinating flies in its natural habitat. Because of its compact size and striking, exotic-looking blooms, it is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in succulent collections and dry gardens, where it thrives in well-drained soil and warm, sunny conditions.

Risks & Threats
This species is considered low risk for naturalization and is not known to be invasive in Hawaiʻi or other tropical island ecosystems. It has very limited spread potential due to its slow growth and specialized pollination strategy. While the flowers may produce an unpleasant odor to some people, this is a natural trait that poses no environmental harm. As with many succulents, the main considerations are careful cultivation and avoiding overwatering, but overall Huernia longii is a well-behaved ornamental species with minimal ecological risk.

High Risk Traits:

• Able to grow in subtropical climates
  
• Leaves with spine-like points
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Reproduces by seed
  
• Seeds wind-dispersed
  
• May be able to spread vegetatively
  
• Able to coppice and resprout after cutting
  
• Limited ecological information may reduce accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but minimal evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Ornamental