Starfish Flower

Damsel isn’t in to this strange flowering succulent, but I’m sort of entertained by it. In a way, it’s kinda disgusting, since it’s main pollinators are flies and it has a foul odor like roadkill. What’s interesting about this particular plant is that there are more pods blossoming into flowers than we’ve ever seen in the several years we’ve had it. I estimate there will be about 15 flowers this season — usually only one or two per season prior to now. It must be due to global warming (just kidding — sarcasm intended).

From Dave’s Garden:

Stapelia gigantea — Interesting succulent, olive green and erect. Lots of branches. 4-sided spineless stems average up to 9 inches and about 1 inch thick. Cactus-like appearance.

Grown mostly for the starfish-shaped flower. Flowers are pale yellow with reddish stripes, covered with white hairs. Flower can average 8 to 12 inches across. It is said to look flesh-like, also reported to have a rotting meat odor, which attracts its main visitor, the fly, for pollinating

This plant which is usually grown in pots is known by several common names which include the following: starfish flower, Zulu-giant, carrion flower and giant toad. It is native to southern Africa and Mozambique.

By the way, Dave’s Garden is one valuable resource when trying to learn about plants and flowers.