Stapelia olivacea is a low-growing, stem succulents about 10 cm tall. It has few-flowered basal inflorescences with small evil-scented flowers (up to 4 cm in diameter), held distinctively upright, reddish-yellow, olive-green, sometimes almost black in colour with transverse brown lines in which the corolla-lobes are ciliate with flat non-vibratile hairs. The plants are large and rather compactly branched at the base with thin fuzzy grey stems held erect in a closely parallel grouping, that sometimes spread for up to 50 or more cm.
Stems erect, apically tapering, 4-12.5 cm high, basally 8-12 mm in diameter, very obtusely 4-angled, with the faces slightly grooved, not toothed on the angles, but with an impressed transverse line at the base of the erect 1-1.5 mm long rudimentary leaves, these caducous wih mall stipular rudiments. Flowers are 1-2(-6) together at the base of the young stems with strong, fetid odour. Flower buds compressed-ovoid, obtusely 5-angled. Pedicels 2-6 (in fruit 12-16) mm long, pubescent.
How to Grow and Care
Several species are fairly easy to grow. Others, often those with slightly hairy stems and the more unusual flowers, are more challenging and require careful watering (with some fertiliser) during the growing season and complete withdrawal of water during the winter months. A minimum winter temperature of 50°F is acceptable, providing that plants are kept absolutely dry. A heated growing bench or incubator may help delicate plants to get throught the colder months. Many species live under shrubs in habitat and prefer light shade rather than full sun.
A gritty compost is essential, and clay pots are advisable for the more delicate species. Some growers prefer a mineral-only compost to minimise the chance of fungal attack on the roots. A layer of grit on the surface of the compost prevents moisture from accumulating around the base of the stems.
Origin: Stapelia olivacea is a South African endemic found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape, and Western Cape.
Hardiness:
Hardiness zones - 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Keeping Stapelias and their roots free of pests such as mealy bugs is the real key to success as fungal attack often occurs as a result of damage to stems by insects. Watering with a good systemic insecticide such as those based on imidachloprid should help to keep plants healthy.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE STAPELIA
Stems erect, apically tapering, 4-12.5 cm high, basally 8-12 mm in diameter, very obtusely 4-angled, with the faces slightly grooved, not toothed on the angles, but with an impressed transverse line at the base of the erect 1-1.5 mm long rudimentary leaves, these caducous wih mall stipular rudiments. Flowers are 1-2(-6) together at the base of the young stems with strong, fetid odour. Flower buds compressed-ovoid, obtusely 5-angled. Pedicels 2-6 (in fruit 12-16) mm long, pubescent.
- Scientific Name: Stapelia olivacea N.E. Br.
- Common Names: African Starfish Flower, Carrion Flower
- Synonyms: Gonostemon olivaceus, Ceropegia olivacea
- Family: Apocynaceae
- Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
- Tribe: Stapeliae
- Genus: Stapelia
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| source pic: llifle.com |
Several species are fairly easy to grow. Others, often those with slightly hairy stems and the more unusual flowers, are more challenging and require careful watering (with some fertiliser) during the growing season and complete withdrawal of water during the winter months. A minimum winter temperature of 50°F is acceptable, providing that plants are kept absolutely dry. A heated growing bench or incubator may help delicate plants to get throught the colder months. Many species live under shrubs in habitat and prefer light shade rather than full sun.
A gritty compost is essential, and clay pots are advisable for the more delicate species. Some growers prefer a mineral-only compost to minimise the chance of fungal attack on the roots. A layer of grit on the surface of the compost prevents moisture from accumulating around the base of the stems.
Origin: Stapelia olivacea is a South African endemic found in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Northern Cape, and Western Cape.
Hardiness:
Hardiness zones - 9a to 11b: from 20 °F (−6.7 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Keeping Stapelias and their roots free of pests such as mealy bugs is the real key to success as fungal attack often occurs as a result of damage to stems by insects. Watering with a good systemic insecticide such as those based on imidachloprid should help to keep plants healthy.
- ALSO READ some more info HOW TO GROW AND CARE STAPELIA
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