Stapelia leendertziae - black-flowered stapelia (Pot 10 cm)

Genus of over 60 species of succulent evergreen perennials with fleshy stems native to the arid areas of South Africa. Stapelia leendertziae is a bushy perennial succulent up to 30 cm tall, with thin, erect and fleshy stems. The very beautiful and showy flowers that appear at the beginning of autumn are up to 10-12 cm large in the shape of a reverse cup with 5 thin pointed petals. The flowers are dark burgundy with a black flower interior. The peculiarity of the flowers of these plants is that they are smelly, especially in the hot hours of the day as they are pollinated by blowflies.

Pedoclimatic needs

Grow in well-drained soil. Sunny exposure. In winter it resists down to -0/-1° C as long as it is kept dry. It can be grown in the ground in Mediterranean gardens where temperatures do not fall below freezing. In colder climates it can be grown in pots and placed outdoors during spring and summer and sheltered during autumn and winter.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Stapelia leendertziae

Family: Asclepiadaceae