G’day everyone,
Here is ‘Nature’s Pic of the Week’!
Stapelia plants, also known as Starfish flowers, are popular for their unusual displays and unique smell. I have a few different species currently in my collection, but there has been one that I have been hunting down for a long time. I am happy to say I finally got my hands on it! This is Stapelia gigantea!
When I purchased this late last week the flower bud was a few days away from revealing what was hidden inside. On Sunday the flower bud had burst open showing off this 32cm diameter flower!
The flower was beautiful and captivating, but the smell… The smell of rotting flesh/meat overpowered my glasshouse for the next few days.
(I do not mind the smell considering I have so many in flower at the moment)
By Bonnie-Marie Hibbs
©BMHPhotographyTheGardener’sNotebook2015
5 comments
Is it a carnivorous plant? It’s beautiful.
Sorry for the late reply.
The Stapelia’s aren’t a carnivorous plant. They are a spineless succulent. 🙂
The flowers are sometimes referred to as a carrion flower. The flowers produce a foul smell to attract a wide range of pollinators.
https://novascotiaroots.wordpress.com/2015/02/20/a-heart-of-gratitude-and-an-award/
I wasn’t sure how to let you know, but I linked your site in this post, I love your blog!
I am sorry for such a late reply. But thank you for the link and I will happily respond to the nomination 🙂
Thank you for supporting my blog!
No worries! I really love your pictures and wanted to share them others!