Stapelia gigantea

Family

Apocynaceae

Native

South eastern Africa

Description

Stapelia gigantea is a species of flowering plant. Growing up to 20 cm (8 in) tall, it is a clump-forming succulent with erect green stems 3 cm thick.

In summer, it bears large star-shaped five-petalled flowers up to 25 cm in diameter. The flowers are red and yellow, wrinkled, with a silky texture and fringed with hairs, that can be as long as 8 mm. They have the smell of rotting flesh, in order to attract the flies which pollinate them.

Due to its tender nature and intolerance of extended freezing, this plant is usually grown as a houseplant in temperate zones.

Environment

In general they are drought-resistant succulents suited for rockeries, and the small-flowered species are suitable as container Cactus.

They are excellent subjects for a water-wise garden, Provided that they are not over-watered and are given a warm position.

They like a sunny position and will also grow in light, semishade in hot climates. The soil should have good drainage

Landscape Uses

Some large-flowered species make a good show when grown in masses in the garden.