Starfish cacti 'Stapelia grandiflora' are also more morbidly called the carrion flower. These stinky, but spectacular, plants share similar traits to those from the carnivorous family. It can form large clusters up to 20 inches (50 cm) in diameter. The stem is up to 4 inches (10 cm) tall, pale green or reddish and slightly furrowed with upright hooks along the ridges. The flowers are large and showy, starfish-shaped and up to 6 inches (15 cm) across.This plant species is native to South Africa, so growing starfish flowers usually requires warm, humid temperatures or a specialized greenhouse environment.
Hardiness:
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to grow and Care
Stapelias are subjects of interest rather than beauty and are frequently grown by collectors of succulents. Some large-flowered species make a good show when grown in masses in the garden. In general they are drought-resistant succulents suited for rockeries, and the small-flowered species are suitable as container plants.
They are excellent subjects for a water-wise garden. The sterile stems are very attractive when planted in full sunlight. When in full flower, pollinators are attracted by the odour. For the eco-friendly gardener this is a way of attracting food for birds and reptiles such as lizards to the garden. Carrion flowers grow very easily in all parts of South Africa. They like a sunny position and will also grow in light, semishade in hot climates. The soil should have good drainage and a pH of 6.5-7.5. Most species do best in a well-drained sandy medium consisting of equal parts of washed river sand, potting soil and topsoil...– See more at: HOW TO GROW AND CARE STAPELIA
Origin:
Southern Africa (Northern cape, Eastern Cape and Free State)
Links
Back to genus: STAPELIA
SUCCULENT PLANTS: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Subfamily: Asclepiadaceae
- Genus: Stapelia
- Tribe: Stapeliae
- Scientific name: Stapelia grandiflora Masson
- Common names: Carrion Flower, Star Fish Flower, Giant Zulu, Giant toad plant.
- Synonyms: Gonostemon grandiflorus (Masson) P. V. Heath Stapelia ambigua Masson.
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| source pic: rareplant.com |
Hardiness:
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to grow and Care
Stapelias are subjects of interest rather than beauty and are frequently grown by collectors of succulents. Some large-flowered species make a good show when grown in masses in the garden. In general they are drought-resistant succulents suited for rockeries, and the small-flowered species are suitable as container plants.
They are excellent subjects for a water-wise garden. The sterile stems are very attractive when planted in full sunlight. When in full flower, pollinators are attracted by the odour. For the eco-friendly gardener this is a way of attracting food for birds and reptiles such as lizards to the garden. Carrion flowers grow very easily in all parts of South Africa. They like a sunny position and will also grow in light, semishade in hot climates. The soil should have good drainage and a pH of 6.5-7.5. Most species do best in a well-drained sandy medium consisting of equal parts of washed river sand, potting soil and topsoil...– See more at: HOW TO GROW AND CARE STAPELIA
Origin:
Southern Africa (Northern cape, Eastern Cape and Free State)
Links
Back to genus: STAPELIA
SUCCULENT PLANTS: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
