Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Stapelia gigantea

Can anyone identify this image? I love to take pictures of flowers but have no idea what's the name. Enlighten me! :)

Added Nov 20. This flower could be a Stapeliad of some sort, perhaps a Taveresia species.

More information about this plant:-
Stapelia gigantea is an interesting plant that resembles cactus, with clumps of 4-sided spineless stems. Carrion flowers are native to S. Africa.

Blooming Time: September. Flowers are large, fleshy, shaped as 5-pointed stars; they have an elaborate circular fleshy disk in the center. The flowers smell like carrion and are not offensive if blooming outside. Flowers are 10-16 inches across.

Culture: Stapelia gigantea need full sun and moderate water in the growing season. They need a well-drained soil (2 parts loam to 1 part sharp sand) with small pebbles mixed in for drainage. They need a cool, dry rest period in winter. Fertilize once during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. They are best managed in pots and can withstand extreme heat.

Propagation: Stapelia gigantea are propagated by stem cuttings. Take cutting in spring when new growth begins. Let cuttings callus up for 2-3 weeks before planting.

Information on Stapelia gigantea quoted from this site: http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week048.shtml

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