MY STAPELIA — SteemCN

Today I want to show you 1 of my Stapelia.

Stapelia is mainly found in South and South-West Africa.
The flower of the Stapelia not only has an unpleasant smell (reminiscent of the smell of spoiled meat) but also releases heat as during the chemical process of decay, which attracts flies for pollination.

I really like the flowers of the Stapelia, but these nasty flies, fu! But when they laid their eggs - this was the limit of my patience.
I could not stand it, I sprayed flowers with spray from flies.
Luckily, the Staleline survived!

My stapelia had a lot of buds. There was a question, what to do: again to sprinkle flowers with a spray or simply to take and cut off all buds? I was afraid that I could ruin a plant.

But the question was decided by itself!
To me to help prishol mantis!
It was very interesting for him to watch how he catches flies!
I do not know if he will stay with me permanently or will come for breakfast, lunch and dinner :-)

During the photograph, the mantis turned to me.
I think that this happened for two reasons:
Maybe he posed for me, imagining himself a model?
Or did he see me as a competitor in his food and think about a plan for protection?

Wow those flowers are so amazing! And furry :)
I have one stapelia, but it never bloomed for me yet. And It will have more normal blooms. I really like yours!

And the little helper is so cute too :)

Many thanks! In nature, she has a much better color! It blooms every year and gives me a lot of flowers! To me my girlfriend one and a half year ago has given some appendages and they have now grown very much! Soon they will not fit in the pot! If you can send it by post, I can send it to you. If you want, find out in your post.
I have other Stapelia, I will gradually show their photos.

Very interesting plant! I only saw these in films long time ago!
I wonder how you could stand the nasty smell for so long!! But the colours and textures of the petals are very unique!! Nature is full of wonder!

Fortunately, the smell is only felt when the nose is very close to the flower. Stapelia grows on the balcony in a hanging pot. Therefore, I absolutely do not feel this nasty smell.
The only thing I did not like was flies. But the mantis almost solved this problem. And the other way out, if mantis the next time does not come to the rescue, then I'll sprinkle with the spray from the flies. Only now not on flowers - and quite near, including a flower pot. And the flowers are very beautiful, especially I like their unusual color and fluffiness!
I have still interesting Stapelia.
Now I can post photos, since my friend yesterday pumped them from my tablet to my computer.

Great pictures! I love stapelia although I make sure to keep them outside

Thank you so much! Yes, you are right - keep them only on the street!

Wonderful! Is it S. gigantea?