Family: Apocynaceae
Caralluma adscendens var. fimbriata—commonly known as caralluma, kannada, or maakada singi—is a small, leafless succulent native to dry regions of India. It forms low, clumping mounds of fleshy, four-angled green stems adapted to hot, arid conditions. In late summer, it produces distinctive star-shaped flowers that are purplish to maroon with fringed edges. Traditionally, this plant has been eaten as a vegetable in parts of India and has a long history of use in folk medicine, particularly as an appetite suppressant during times of food scarcity. Today, it is also grown as an ornamental curiosity and sometimes cultivated for herbal supplements.
Caralluma adscendens var. fimbriata is generally considered low risk in Hawai‘i. It grows slowly, does not produce abundant seed, and typically spreads only by short-range vegetative growth, making it unlikely to escape cultivation or invade natural areas. As with many succulents, improper disposal of plant fragments could allow it to establish in disturbed sites, so clippings should be disposed of carefully. There are no known significant environmental threats associated with this species in Hawai‘i, but responsible cultivation is still encouraged to prevent unintended spread.
High Risk Traits:
- Grows in tropical climates
- Reproduces by seeds in native range
- Seeds dispersed by wind
- Limited biological and ecological information reduces accuracy of risk prediction
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but limited evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
- Palatable to humans and animals
- Medicinal and ornamental uses
- Probably self-incompatible
