Stapelia

Stapelia is a unique plant known for its giant, star-shaped flowers! The blooms can look like they are covered in fur.

Habitat: Dry, tropical areas

Appearance

The Stapelia has fleshy, four-angled succulent stems that are often green or reddish. Its most striking feature is its large, star-shaped flower, often covered in hairs, with intricate patterns of red, brown, and yellow.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusStapelia

Stapelia

Interesting facts

Even though they smell bad, the flowers are completely harmless.

Many Stapelia plants grow among rocks where few other plants can survive.

Some Stapelia flowers can be as big as a dinner plate!

Their star-shaped blossoms earned them the nickname "starfish flowers."

Special abilities

Stapelia can release a foul, rotting smell that helps it attract specific flies for pollination.

Stapelia has flowers that visually mimic decaying flesh, with hairy textures and mottled colors, to trick insect pollinators.

Stapelia can store water in its thick, succulent stems that helps it survive and thrive in dry, arid desert environments.

Measurements & details

Height: 10-30 cm
Spread: 15-60 cm
Flower Size: 5-40 cm
Bloom Season: Late summer to fall, sometimes year-round in warm climates
Is Edible: No
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Blue Bottle Fly

Calliphora vicina

Attracted by foul odor to transfer pollen.

pollinates

Common Green Bottle Fly

Lucilia sericata

Another important fly pollinator attracted by the scent.

eaten by

Garden Snail

Helix aspersa

Snails can sometimes feed on the succulent stems.

Traits

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!