Totally Unknown

[The Totem]

I received this plant form a friend who had been growing them for quite some time. She had no idea what they were, but thought they were a really neat plant. The large flower looks almost like a furry starfish. I do believe this plant to be carnivorous. The large flower does attract insect and closes up. I have never seen a plant like this before and was wondering if anyone out there knows what it is?

 

[Drosera36]

Whoops, I tried to repost it for ya never mind.

Looks like a Stapelia. No, it's not carnivorous. It's a succulent. It uses its stanky flowers to attract flies and pollinate it. Some flowers close at night because they rely on daytime pollinators.


-Ben

 

[The Totem]

That was a quick response. Thanks!

 

[Drosera36]

Yup, no problem.

-Ben

 

[jimscott]

I do believe that Ben nailed it! Check out this link:

Stapelia Gallery

 

[DerbyCityNeps]

Quote[/b] ] It uses its stanky flowers to attract flowers

HEY! only kentuckians can say stanky!

 

[Drosera36]

Hehe, whoops.

I just realized that I wrote "flowers" instead of "flies". Interesting...

-Ben

 

[CNCreefer]

Quote[/b] ]HEY! only kentuckians can say stanky!

I don't know about that

I'm in Southern California, and all of Southern California is stanky

 

[jimscott]

Quote[/b] (CNCreefer @ Oct. 14 2006,11:04)]

Quote[/b] ]I'm in Southern California, and all of Southern California is stanky

Hey... what happens when the fog lifts in Southern Califorinia?

 

[Clint]

Anyone ever see that flower in "jumanji"? that's what stapelia remind me of.

 

[Melly]

I think that is a Stapelia Gigantea