Family: Apocynaceae
Scientific name: Stapelia hirsuta
Common Name: Carrion Flower
Origin: South Africa
This species grows in the southwest of the cape of South Africa and produces beautiful dark red flowers, which contain a lot of hairs in the middle of the flower. The hairs in the flower and an unpleasant smell imitate a dead animal, this way the flowers attract insects that will pollinate the flower. The flowers will be produced regularly and usually grow to around 10-12 cm. The plant will grow well indoors and do well in a sunny spot on the windowsill.
Sowing description: Sow the seeds in a mixture of sand and sowing soil (1:1) and cover them with only a slim layer of soil. Keep the soil constantly moist (not wet). During germination place the seeds in a light spot without direct sunlight and keep at a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (near heater).
Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 10 degrees Celsius
Photo 2: Karel Bergmann via botany.cz