A little walk around the garden this morning to see how everything is looking now after having some good rain I discovered this in a pot. At first I thought it was a flower that had fallen off another plant and landed in the pot which contained a succulent that had never flowered before to my knowledge.
On closer examination I found the flower attached to the plant and as I got closer to observe the flower I noticed a very strong odour, emanating from the Flower. Not at all pleasant smelling, in fact it smelt like strong manure. I then decided to take a few photos of this exotic new discovery and Google what it might be.
It turned out to be a Carrion Flower Also Called a Stapelia Flower. This is the information I found about it after I searched the net.
" Plants in the genus Stapelia are also called "carrion flowers". They are small, spineless, cactus-like succulent plants. Most species are native to South Africa, and are grown as potted plants elsewhere. The flowers of all species are hairy to varying degrees and generate the odor of rotten flesh. The color of the flowers also mimics rotting meat. This attracts scavenging flies, for pollination. The flowers in some species can be very large, notably Stapelia gigantea can reach 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter."
Amazing information about a Plant that on first look seemed unusually beautiful however on further reading I am not so sure that it would have wide appeal.
" The hairy, oddly textured and coloured appearance of many Stapelia flowers has been claimed to resemble that of rotting meat, and this, coupled with their odour, has earned the most commonly grown members of the Stapelia genus the common name of "carrion flowers".
It turned out to be a Carrion Flower Also Called a Stapelia Flower. This is the information I found about it after I searched the net.
" Plants in the genus Stapelia are also called "carrion flowers". They are small, spineless, cactus-like succulent plants. Most species are native to South Africa, and are grown as potted plants elsewhere. The flowers of all species are hairy to varying degrees and generate the odor of rotten flesh. The color of the flowers also mimics rotting meat. This attracts scavenging flies, for pollination. The flowers in some species can be very large, notably Stapelia gigantea can reach 30 cm (12 inches) in diameter."
Amazing information about a Plant that on first look seemed unusually beautiful however on further reading I am not so sure that it would have wide appeal.
" The hairy, oddly textured and coloured appearance of many Stapelia flowers has been claimed to resemble that of rotting meat, and this, coupled with their odour, has earned the most commonly grown members of the Stapelia genus the common name of "carrion flowers".
A handful of species are commonly cultivated as pot plants and are even used as rockery plants in countries where the climate permits. Stapelia are good container plants and can grow well under full sun and light to moderate watering. They should be planted in well-drained compost as the stems are prone to rotting if kept moist for long."
Have you something unusual growing in your garden?
Cheers From Milli.
Very pretty. Looks like a Starfish kinda.
ReplyDeleteVery cool my friend;)
ReplyDeleteFancy that , you growing indigenous South African plants in your garden by accident. Now how on earth did that land up in the pot by you? Previous owners? And it is blooming? Wow. Sure likes it there by you in Oz, darling Carol. LOL. Sorry missed this post, have not really been around much except on FB as you know, what was the utmost my tired brain could handle. Just click LIke and Share and post a heart or a smile and you are good. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThats ok Marianne it is always great to have you here no matter how long it takes..lol..Oh and i did not know it was this species before because it is in a pot that I have had in the garden for sometime now and it was originally given to me by a friend who did not know herself what the plant was. After finding the flower I did some research and that is what I found out.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. xo