2XB Posted April 12, 2014 Hi all, Just wondering if many people have experienced the stink of this plant. Wow it is truly identical smell of animal decay to me! Crazy beautiful and intriguing flower. Im curious why the flowers smell like that. And another interesting observation. Last time it grew a flower the bud was so massive the plant couldnt hold it up and it just lay on the ground and never formed. This time a much more managble size! Anyway id like to hear some ideas and comments about stapelia gettleffii Cheers! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coolname Posted April 12, 2014 They smell like that to attract flies for pollenation. It smells better than roses 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
2XB Posted April 12, 2014 Thanks coolname. Would attract em all right.! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
incognito Posted April 12, 2014 I like to think the flowers are designed to look like an animals butthole. Seriously. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brendo Posted April 12, 2014 Would an insect be able to recognise an animals bumhole? Serious question. I've never heard of this plant, it seems to make sense though with the foul smell. Incog is probably right imo, it looks like a small dead animal, or butthole lol, and the smell would attract all the same kinds of insects who'd naturally be attracted to carcusses etc.. Nature is so cool 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
watertrade Posted April 13, 2014 I am starting to get quite a good collection of asclepiads, of which stapeliads are a part. I love all the smells - i often notice the smell before the flower they all are evolved to attract flies - some of them work so well the flies lay eggs in the flower (check out the image below) the white bits are fly eggs yum and as for but hole flowers. thats what my wife calls them she isn't a fan. ( I took some but hole pics today I will post them up later when they are uploaded.) 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
etherealdrifter Posted June 11, 2014 mum's had this plant for well over40 years 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zelly Posted June 26, 2014 finally remembered to take a pic.... stapelia flavopurpurea 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HolographicYou Posted July 19, 2014 This plant has been catching my attention lately, how are they to cultivate? Do you guys keep them indoors during winter or just away from rainfall? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
