Scientific Name
Stapelia gigantea N. E. Br.
Common Name(s)
Carrion Flower, Carrion Plant, Giant Toad Plant, Starfish Flower, Starfish Plant, Toad Plant, Zulu Giant
Synonym(s)
Ceropegia gigantea, Gonostemon giganteus
Scientific Classification
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Asclepiadoideae
Tribe: Stapeliae
Genus: Stapelia
Etymology
The specific epithet "gigantea" (pronounced "jy-GAN-tee-uh") means "giant" and refers to the enormous flowers of this species, which are the largest in the genus.
Origin
Stapelia gigantea is native to southeastern Africa (Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa).
Description
Stapelia gigantea is a spineless succulent with 4-angled, multi-branched stems and huge, star-shaped flowers. If grown in the ground, it can reach up to 1 foot (30 cm) in height and spread to 3.3 feet (1 m). The green stems are initially upright but tend to become more scrambling, with only the tip growing upright.
The flowers have five pale yellow lobes that have transverse maroon lines and are fringed with long hairs. The maroon lines become more closely spaced towards the center of the flower, and maroon coloration may prevail in this region. The flowers can reach a diameter of 14 inches (35 cm) and appear in the fall.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11b: from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 50°F (10°C).
How to Grow and Care
Several species are relatively easy to grow. Others, often those with slightly hairy stems and the more unusual flowers, are more challenging and require careful watering (with some fertilizer) during the growing season and complete water withdrawal during the winter months. A minimum winter temperature of 10°C (50°F) is acceptable if the soil is completely dry. A heated growing bench or incubator may help delicate plants get through the colder months. However, many species live under shrubs in their habitat and prefer light shade rather than full sun.
A gritty succulent soil mix is essential, and clay pots are advisable for the more delicate species. Some growers prefer mineral-only soil to minimize the chance of a fungal attack on the roots. A layer of grit on the soil's surface prevents moisture from accumulating around the stems' base.
Keeping Stapelias and their roots free of pests such as mealybugs is the key to success, as fungal attack often occurs due to insect damage to stems.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Stapelia.
Links
- Back to genus Stapelia
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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