Succulent with hairy flowers that smell of rotting meat to attract pollinators

The dark red flowers are densely hairy (hirsute) in the center, and the purplish color simulates rotting meat from dead animals. The long bristles on the flowers resemble the fur of a dead animal, which, together with the carrion smell, attracts beetles and carrion flies that are tricked into trying to lay eggs on the flower, thereby pollinating the plant (sapromyophily). The flowering period extends from late summer to late autumn.

The genus name Stapelia was named in honor of Johannes van Stapel, who described the first discovered plant, while the Latin species name hirsuta means "hairy."

Botanical description

Stapelia hirsuta has a wide distribution along the southern edge of the arid Karoo region, throughout the "Little Karoo" in the southern Cape Province, South Africa.

Along with Stapelia gigantea and Orbea variegata, this is probably the most widely cultivated of the stapelias.

Care

An easy-to-care-for and rewarding succulent when mature. Requires moderate watering during the growing season but appreciates abundant water and a little fertilizer in warm weather, which helps them flower freely. Water more sparingly in winter.

Since the roots are quite shallow, use cactus soil or add extra perlite or pumice to regular potting soil. A gritty, very well-drained soil is suitable, and terracotta pots help the plants dry out between waterings. Thrives in partial sun or light shade.

Propagation is most easily done with stem cuttings. Let cuttings dry for a day before planting. Stems must be laid (not buried) on gritty soil and then root from the underside of the stems. Can also be propagated from seeds sown in spring in moist, sandy moss. Barely cover the seeds. Buy Stapelia hirsuta online!