Giant Carrion Flower: Basics, Types, Growth & Care

Stapelia gigantea, also known as the Giant Carrion Flower, belongs to the family Apocynaceae and the genus Stapelia. It features a robust, four-angled, upright stem, standing 20-30 cm tall, with a branching base, tooth-like protrusions, and a greyish-green color.

Its flower, which exudes a foul smell, is large, with five star-shaped, pale yellow petals adorned with faint blackish-purple horizontal stripes, and edges covered in fine hair. Blooming in autumn, its strikingly large, starfish-like flowers attract flies for pollination, hence the alternative name, Giant Carrion Flower.

Growth and Distribution

Habitat

It thrives in high temperatures and humidity during summer, while preferring warmth and abundant sunlight during its dormant winter period.

Distribution

This plant is cultivated in the southern regions, specifically in the Shanghai area, and is also found in tropical Africa.

Morphology and Features

This succulent perennial plant features several stems growing in clusters. These bright green stems, covered in short soft hair, stand 15-20 cm high and 3 cm in diameter. The fleshy, four-angled stems distinctly protrude, with sharp spikes along the edges.

The plant lacks leaves. Its flowers, usually 1-2 in number, are large, with a yellow-green corolla that radiates out in a star shape, with a diameter of 28-40 cm. The inner surface features deep red horizontal wrinkles and sparse light purple hair.

The petal segments are ovate-triangular, tapering to a long tail-like tip, with edges slightly curling outwards, covered with long cilia. The secondary corona is bi-wheeled, attached at the base of the gynostegium; each compartment has one pollen mass, standing erect.

The plant’s stem is thick, quadrangular, upright, 20-30 cm tall, with a branched base, dentate protrusions, and a greyish-green color. Its large, star-shaped flowers open in five segments, colored pale yellow with faint blackish-purple horizontal stripes.

Fine hair grows along the edges and a foul smell is emitted. Blooming in autumn, the large, beautiful flowers resemble starfish. This smell is used to attract flies for pollination, hence the nickname Giant Carrion Flower.

Cultivation Method

The Giant Carrion Flower prefers fertile, loose sandy loam soil. It benefits from soil replacement and replanting every two years. Pond mud is not suitable as a base fertilizer. From April to July, during new stem growth and bud development, it requires abundant sunlight. In other periods, it can grow normally under indoor light conditions.

In southern regions, it can tolerate temperatures down to 5°C. Its stem often grows adventitious roots, making it suitable for propagation through cuttings. This can be done throughout the year, but early spring is optimal. When grown properly, it may flower within the same year. It is seldom affected by pests or diseases.

Value and Other Uses

Applications

Small and exquisite, with easy propagation, strong adaptability, and extensive management, this plant provides both aesthetic appeal with its stems and flowers. It serves as an ideal indoor ornamental plant.