Carrion Plant (Stapelia gigantea): Giant Starfish Flowers that Smell of Decay

Carrion plant (Stapelia gigantea), also called carrion flower, starfish plant, toad plant, or Zulu giant, is a low, clumping succulent with four-angled, spineless, green stems. It produces enormous (up to 12 inches), star-shaped, pale yellow flowers with reddish stripes and a dense fringe of hairs—these emit a strong odor of rotting flesh to attract fly pollinators.

Features

The flowers are among the largest of any succulent. The plant forms mats 6–12 inches tall, spreading slowly. It is a conversation piece for succulent collectors.

Culture

Bright light (some direct sun); extremely well-draining gritty soil. Water very sparingly. Drought-tolerant. Minimum temperature 50°F. Protect from rain in winter. Easy to propagate from stem cuttings.

Taxonomy

• Family: Asclepiadaceae (Apocynaceae)
• Genus: Stapelia
• Species: gigantea
• Synonyms: Stapelia nobilis, Stapelia flavirostris