Friday, October 1, 2010

Haunted Horticulture I - Carrion Flower


Carrion Flower (Stapelia gigantea)

Carrion flower is also known as the giant toad flower or the dead horse plant.  The flower blooms this time of year and smells like carrion- the carcass of a dead animal.  Spooky, isn’t it?  The flower attracts blow-flies which in turn pollinate the plant.  The plant itself resembles a cactus with spineless stems.  Carrion flower likes sun and a moderate amount of water in a well-drained soil.  This plant can be propagated by cuttings in the spring.  Due to the smell of the blooms I recommend growing this outside.  These photos were taken this morning at the Floida Botanical Gardens.

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