Kingdom Plantae Family Apocynaceae Rank Species | Order Gentianales Genus Stapelia | |
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Similar Stapelia asterias, Stapelia grandiflora, Stapelia gigantea, Stapelia flavopurpurea, Stapelia leendertziae | ||
Dicas e curiosidades stapelia hirsuta
Stapelia hirsuta, common name starfish flower or carrion plant, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Apocynaceae.
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Etymology
The genus epithet "Stapelia" was named in honour of Johannes van Stapel, who described the first plant discovered, while the species name derives from the Latin “hirsutus”, meaning "hairy”.
Description
Stapelia hirsuta has subquadrangular stems about 20 centimetres (7.9 in) high, with flat, very hairy dark-red flowers resembling rotting meat. Corolla can reach a width of about 5–15 centimetres (2.0–5.9 in). The carrion smell serve to attract various pollinators, especially flies. The flowering period extends from late summer through late autumn. This species is extremely variable with various subspecies and many hybrids.
Subspecies
Distribution and habitat
This species is endemic to South Africa (Cape Province) and southern Namibia. It can be found in the mainly winter rainfall areas.