Giant carrion flower (starfish flower) Stapelia gigantea
Giant carrion flower (starfish flower) (Stapelia gigantea) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Apocynaceae family, native to South Africa (Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal) to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania. It grows 15–30 cm (6–12 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about 4 °C (39 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Giant carrion flower (starfish flower) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Mature height | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 4 °C (39 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South Africa (Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal) to Zimbabwe, Zambia and Tanzania |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Giant carrion flower (starfish flower) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous; the flowers smell of rotting meat.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Giant carrion flower (starfish flower)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Giant carrion flower (starfish flower)
- How far apart should I plant Giant carrion flower (starfish flower)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Giant carrion flower (starfish flower) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Giant carrion flower (starfish flower) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Giant carrion flower (starfish flower)?
- It tolerates about 4 °C (39 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Giant carrion flower (starfish flower) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Giant carrion flower (starfish flower) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous; the flowers smell of rotting meat.
- What grows well with Giant carrion flower (starfish flower)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Giant carrion flower (starfish flower). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- LLIFLE Encyclopedia of Cacti and Succulents, LLIFLE (Living Encyclopedia), Italy
Notes and assumptions
- In frosty climates it is a classic pot plant for a bright windowsill, put outside in summer.
- Clumps of velvety, four-angled green stems produce huge, hairy, five-pointed starfish flowers up to 40 cm across, pale yellow banded with red, that smell of carrion to lure flies as pollinators (flies even lay eggs on them). Some botanists now include Stapelia in Ceropegia.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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