Stop and smell the flowers but not this one

[rgecaprock]

This plant is a stapeliad. This year is the first time it has bloomed and it is so amazing what nature has to offer even if it isn't so pretty. It smells like a dead animal and no butterfly or bee would go near it. It is pollinated by flies. The white things in the center are fly eggs....soon to be maggots....but fortunately the flower dies before that happens.....I think.

This is what the buds look like before it opens.

 

[Wade E]

Very cool but gross!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[joeswine]

looks prehistoric

 

[NorthernWinos]

Is it's common name Voodoo Lily??? I planted one and it stunk the whole house up....

 

[rgecaprock]

It has several names, starfish plant, carrion plant, zulu giant, dead horse plant. It is native to Africa. I was reading that it is the ultimate deception to they flies because their eggs will never hatch or if they do they will die because there is no food source.


A very interesting plant.

 

[Waldo]

Where did you get yours Ramona

 

[rgecaprock]

Waldo,
A friend of mine who grows the same types of plants that I do shared a cutting with me. It is very easy to grow and the plant itself is attractive.


Ramona

 

[grapeman]

It has several names, starfish plant, carrion plant, zulu giant, dead horse plant. It is native to Africa. I was reading that it is the ultimate deception to they flies because their eggs will never hatch or if they do they will die because there is no food source.


A very interesting plant.

And then they become food for the plant!

 

[smurfe]

Girl, I know you have a green thumb and love plants but why would you grow a plant that smells like a dead body?

I will say it is an interesting looking plant.

 

[rgecaprock]

Smurfe,


That's just it.....it is interesting. My boss asked me the same question.
I have other plants that are pretty and smell sweet too. Variety is the spice of life, don't ya think?


Ramona

 

[JimCook]

Smurfe,


Maybe it's for gifts to people that end up on Ramona's bad side?


- Jim

 

[rgecaprock]

Hey, Jim


There is only one person who gets on my bad side sometimes and she pays my salary

.




Ramona