5 Stapelia hirsuta var. vetula Seeds - Indigenous South African Succulents + FREE SEEDS

Stapelia hirsuta var. vetula Seeds

African Starfish Flower

Known globally as African starfish flowers or locally as carrion flowers, members of the genus Stapelia are usually characterized by their foul-smelling flowers reminiscent of the odour of rotting meat. The hairs, coloration and surface mimic decaying animal matter and attract mostly flies, which act as pollinators. The strong carrion scent is sometimes recognizable at a great distance, especially on hot afternoons. Surprisingly, species such as S. erectiflora and S. flavopurpurea have sweetly scented flowers, but they are rare. Stapelia hirsuta var. vetula, synonymously known as Gonostemon vetulus, Stapelia juvencula, Stapelia nudiflora, Stapelia simsii, Stapelia vetula, Stapelia vetula var. juvencula, Stapelia vetula var. simsii, Tridentea juvencula, Tridentea simsii or Tridentea vetula, is a South African endemic succulent that grows erect stems in a dense clump to heights around 30cm. The stems are four-angled with tiny, soft leaves that are regularly spaced up the four stem ridges and channelled between the ridges. The flowers are usually short-lived, leaving whitish scars when they fall.