Stapelia hirsuta

Succulent with multiple short leafless bulky gray green stems. Produces a star-shaped flower at the base of the stems with alternate dark red and yellow sripes along the breadth. Hairs on the flower margins and very woolly towards the centre. The flower produces a putrid smell which lures flies which pollinate the flower. Fly eggs can often be found on the flower wool.

S. hirsuta is a very variable species with a number of recognized variants. It is closely related to S. grandiflora which occurs in the Eastern Cape and Free State.

Distribution in the Hex

Robertson Karoo vegetation near the old Osplaas Railway station.

References

• Manning, J., 2018. Field Guide to Fynbos
• http://pza.sanbi.org/stapelia