Stapelia gigantea

Stapelia gigantea is a crazy succulent known as carrion flower, star fish flower, or Zulu giant that has vertical to ascending, four-sided, columnar, succulent stems and amazing flowers that look like an expanding balloon when in bud that then open to huge starfish-like, fuzzy flowers in muted yellow-beige with deep red markings up to 12 inches or more across! It is also fragrant but with the kind of aroma that attracts pollinating flies, if you catch our drift. Best to keep above 10 degrees Celsius in winter as a houseplant.

Stapelia gigantea has many names: Zulu Giant, Carrion Flower, or the very apt Star Fish Flower. Check out the amazing blooms that come from this succulent wonder! This spike and spine free succulent species feature columns of ribbed and intricately barbed growth that puts out amazingly large, hand-sized blooms (or larger). The huge, solitary, fuzzy star flowers of pale yellow have concentric, thin brown bands. It is such a showstopper, but is known to have a slightly offputting smell. Forms large, upright clumps of succulent foliage. Add Zulu Giant to your collection! Provide a well-drained soil away from reflected heat. Requires little water once established. Ideal in warm climate landscapes, rock gardens and container gardens, but is especially happy sitting on your bright windowsill as a houseplant. Makes an excellent hanging basket plant for its drooping blooms (See Picture). Protect this guy from frost!

This is a great stapeliad that forms enormous, hairy, starfish shaped flowers with yellow petals and sporadic red cross banding. Flower buds swell into a big balloon before peeling open, and can be up to 10" across. Great for hanging baskets or ground cover. Truly a unique plant. Commonly referred to as the "carrion plant" since the flowers, which are pollinated by flies, have a very distinct odor.

This entertaining African species has green stems that are fat, succulent and sharply angled. The starfish-shaped flower is a subdued yellow covered by miniature purple hairs. Its enormous size of nine inches across sends off tips that terminate in slender elegance. This African Starfish Flower can be grown in full or partial sun and is outstanding on a windowsill or in a hanging basket. Periods of dryness are tolerated well for this reliable bloomer.

Also known as starfish flower, zulu giant, giant toad plant, a succulent with 4-5" fat fleshy x-shaped stems. Produces unusual foul smelling 4-5" star shaped fleshy flowers. Pinkish with dark markings.

Succulent stems produce huge 10" creamy yellow blooms with burgundy variegation in summer, and the 'aroma' is unforgettable. An unusual and easily grown species.