Zulu Giant

stapelia gigantea

The Zulu Giant (Stapelia gigantea) is a remarkable stem succulent famous for producing some of the largest, most bizarre flowers in the plant kingdom. Native to the arid regions of southeastern Africa, this clump-forming perennial features thick, upright, four-angled green stems that resemble cacti but lack true spines. It is highly celebrated for its extraordinary evolutionary adaptation: generating massive star-shaped blossoms that mimic the appearance and foul odor of decaying meat. Discover and identify species like Zulu Giant with the Snappit app.

Habitat: Typically found growing in the dry, rocky soils of subtropical savannas, thorn scrubs, and arid valleys, often tucked under the shade of larger shrubs to escape the intense midday sun.

Appearance

This succulent forms dense clumps of erect, velvety green stems measuring 10 to 30 centimeters in height. The real spectacle is the flower: a colossal five-pointed star reaching up to 40 centimeters in diameter. These blooms are pale yellow to tan, intricately patterned with fine, transverse reddish-purple lines, and fringed with silky white hairs along the margins. The center of the flower features a deep, dark purple cup containing the reproductive organs.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderGentianalesFamilyApocynaceaeGenusStapelia

Zulu Giant

Interesting facts

Despite attracting flies to lay eggs with its convincing rot scent, the hatched maggots inevitably starve as the flower offers no actual meat.

Its enormous star-shaped flower can measure larger than a standard dinner plate, earning it the species name 'gigantea'.

The plant's ribbed stems help cast shadow on itself, reducing transpiration and keeping the plant cool in blistering heat.

Special abilities

Emits a strong, pungent scent mimicking rotting flesh to attract carrion-feeding insects like flies for pollination.

Utilizes thick, fleshy, ribbed stems to store water efficiently, allowing it to withstand long periods of severe drought.

Features specialized pollen sacs called pollinia that stick to visiting flies, ensuring efficient genetic transfer.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-30 cm
Weight: 0.2-3 kg
Lifespan: 10-30 years

Diet & Feeding

As an autotrophic plant, the Zulu Giant produces its own organic compounds and energy through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

Primary Foods

Sunlight
Water
Carbon dioxide
Soil nutrients

Foraging Method

None

Ecological connections

mutualism

Common Green Bottle Fly

Lucilia sericata

Attracted by the carrion scent, this fly acts as a major pollinator while attempting to lay eggs on the petals.

mutualism

Blue Bottle Fly

Calliphora vicina

Lured by the flower's appearance and odor, it inadvertently transfers pollen while searching for oviposition sites.

parasite

Long-tailed Mealybug

Pseudococcus longispinus

Sucks sap from the succulent stems, which can weaken the plant and cause soot mold infections.

Traits

No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

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Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Zulu Giant?

The easiest way to identify Zulu Giant is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Zulu Giant?

10-30 cm

How much does Zulu Giant weigh?

0.2-3 kg

How long does Zulu Giant live?

10-30 years

What does Zulu Giant eat?

As an autotrophic plant, the Zulu Giant produces its own organic compounds and energy through photosynthesis using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide.

Where is Zulu Giant usually found?

Typically found growing in the dry, rocky soils of subtropical savannas, thorn scrubs, and arid valleys, often tucked under the shade of larger shrubs to escape the intense midday sun.

How does Zulu Giant hunt?

None