Stapelia olivaceaN.E. Br .
African Starfish Flower , Carrion Flower
Ceropegia olivacea , Gonostemon olivaceus
Photo via llifle.com
class : ApocynaceaeSubfamily : AsclepiadoideaeTribe : StapeliaeGenus : Stapelia
Stapelia olivaceais a small succulent that organize a compact clump of fleshy , vertical stem with tubercle join into four angles along the stem . It grows up to 6 inch ( 15 cm ) widely . The stems are up to 4.8 inches ( 12 cm ) tenacious and 0.4 inches ( 1 cm ) thick . They are shortly puberulent , grey - green with purplish flecks and darker green in grooves between the slant .
The blossom are up to 1.6 inch ( 4 centimeter ) in diam , almost bland , transversely rugulose , dark maroon - red to greenish , and with white-hot hair along the margins . The inflorescences originate near the base of the stem and turn out 1 to 6 flowers developing in gradual succession , usually in downslope . Fruits are spindle - shaped follicles up to 4 column inch ( 10 cm ) long and 0.25 column inch ( 0.6 cm ) in diameter .
This species is native toSouth Africa . It occurs over much of the Great Karoo , usually quite high up in the mountains .
The specific name " olivacea " refers to the olive - unripened colour used in the first painting of this specie .
USDA hardiness zones9a to 11b : from 20 ° F ( −6.7 ° C ) to 50 ° F ( +10 ° cytosine ) .
Several species are somewhat well-situated to grow . Others , often those with slightly hirsute stem and the more unusual heyday , are more challenging and call for careful watering ( with some fertilizer ) during the grow season and complete water withdrawal during the wintertime months . A minimum winter temperature of 50 ° F ( 10 ° hundred ) is satisfactory , providing plants are kept dry . A heated growing terrace or brooder may help delicate flora to get through the colder calendar month . However , many species live under shrubs in their home ground and favor promiscuous shade rather than full Dominicus .
A gritty compost is essential , and Lucius Clay pots are advisable for the more soft specie . Some growers prefer mineral - only compost to minimize the chance of a fungal attack on the ascendant . A bed of grit on the compost surface prevent moisture from collect around the base of the stems .
KeepingStapelias and their roots free of pests such asmealybugsis the veridical key to winner , as fungal onrush often leave from price to stems by insects .
See more atHow to acquire and wish for Stapelia .
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