An overview is provided of the contributions of Friedrich Welwitsch (1806–1872), to the development of horticulture in Portugal while he was stationed in this country (1839–1853), with special reference to succulent plants. Welwitsch is best known for his collecting and floristic work in Angola in south-tropical Africa, but he also significantly contributed to the enhancement of general gardening in Portugal, his adopted country. Some of the material he collected in Angola as living propagules made their way into cultivation in Portugal. Information is also provided on two forgotten Portuguese personalities commemorated in the names of two genera Welwitsch described: one, Bento António Alves, was a nurseryman, and the other, Joaquim Januário de Saldanha Machado, a succulent plant grower. The two little-known genus names are Alvesia Welw. (Leguminosae) and Machadoa Welw. ex Benth. & Hook. (Passifloraceae). Notes are provided on Welwitsch's interest in succulent plants in general.