Stapelia gariepensis

Native to South Africa, Stapelia gariepensis (better known as the Starfish flower) is a xerophytic succulent vine or creeper that produces stunning star-shaped flowers. It is ideal for - and easily flourishes in - areas that experience hot, dry summers. It is a drought-tolerant plant that responds well to neglect once it has been successfully established in a garden.

Growing well in full sun, semi-shade or shade, Stapelia gariepensis requires moderate watering and enjoys soil with well-drained, loamy or sandy soil. Not partial to clay soil, if grown in a pot, use a fast-draining mix with a pH of between 6.1-7.8. If growing in colder regions, the plant may need a more sheltered spot, as temperatures close to freezing can be damaging to the semi-hardy Starfish flower.

Once established, Stapelia gariepensis is an easy to care for plant and requires little more than a monthly light trimming to keep it growing fast and healthy. It is best suited to USDA Zones 9-11, making it a popular choice for many warmer temperate regions in the US.

In its native environment, the Starfish flower attracts beetles with its dank and putrid flowering odor, but this isn't nearly as unpleasant in a garden setting. As it is a low-maintenance plant, it's a great addition for gardeners looking for something that will bring a dynamic pop of color to their garden for minimal effort.

Stapelia gigantea

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Stapelia gigantea (Zulu Giant) is a small shrub that grows 2-5 feet tall and wide, making it an ideal addition to an outdoor garden or rock garden. It has an unusual color that is sure to catch the eye of anyone who passes by. This plant is also a great option for plant enthusiasts looking for an easy to care for succulent that will attract butterflies and hummingbirds to their garden.

Stapelia gigantea is best grown in full sun and moderate water. It is hardy to USDA Zone 9-10 and does especially well in dry, hot climates. In cold regions, however, it should preferably be kept in a pot and brought indoors during the winter.

In terms of care, Stapelia gigantea is relatively easy to manage compared to other succulents. As a drought tolerant plant, it prefers to be in soil that is well-draining with moderate watering. It should be watered occasionally and allowed to dry out in-between watering. Pruning may be necessary to keep its shape if it begins to grow beyond its designated area. For best performance, feed it a balanced fertilizer during the blooming and growth season.

Stapelia gigantea is an ideal option for those looking for an easy to maintain plant with unique characteristics. The star-shaped and ochre-yellow flowers make for an interesting addition to any garden and the plant's ability to attract butterflies and hummingbirds is an added bonus. So, don't wait any longer - put this Zulu Giant in your garden today!

Stapelia sp.

Stapelia sp. is a small plant native to South Africa with distinctive star-shaped flowers in shades of red, crimson, vinous, yellow, or orange. This plant is suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9-11 and can tolerate short exposures to temperatures as low as 30°F. It prefers full sun or semi-shade and requires only moderate water, making it a good choice for dry conditions. Stapelia sp. can be grown in pots and is a good container plant, but it is important to protect it from cold temperatures by bringing the pot indoors to a light-filled location during the winter months.

The flowers of Stapelia sp. can be quite large, reaching up to 8 inches in diameter, and they may be red, brown, or marbled in color. They are often hairy and are known for their malodorous aroma, which is similar to the smell of rotting meat. This plant is commonly cultivated as a pot or rockery plant in warmer regions, and it is also known by the common names "carrion flower," "giant toad flower," and "starfish flower." The flowers are pollinated by flies, which are attracted to the carrion aroma. The stems of this plant are succulent, spineless, and 4-angled, and they grow upright before sprawling sideways with the tips still erect. In the ground, this plant can grow to be 24 inches wide. The genus name, Stapelia sp., honors Dutch physician Johannes Bodaeus van Stapel.

Stapelianthus decaryi

This native of Madagascar has a sprawling growth habit, growing between two and five feet tall and two feet wide. Stapelianthus decaryi is a small succulent plant that has thicket-like stems and it's identifiable by its porous mottled bark, along with its yellow and maroon speckled flowers, which are shaped like chalices.

The Stapelianthus decaryi is best grown in semi-shade, and they require moderate watering. This species of succulent blooms in the summer, when delicate clusters of pink, yellow and oranges flowers appear. When grown in the right conditions, the Stapelianthus will attract many pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects.

The Stapelianthus decaryi is hardy in USDA planting zones 9-11, and can be grown both indoors and outdoors as long as it is sheltered from harsh winds, and given adequate protection from frost. For those in colder climates, a Stapelianthus can be grown successfully in a pot and housed indoors during the cooler months. When planting or potting indoors, make sure the soil is well-draining and the pot is shallow to allow for the plant to spread easily. When watering, it's important to keep the soil damp, but not soggy as this species is susceptible to root rot.

Overall, the Stapelianthus decaryi is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance - making it a great choice for green thumbs of all levels. With its interesting mottled bark and chalice-shaped flowers, this Madagascar native will bring an exotic touch to any garden!

Staphylea pinnata

Staphylea pinnata is an curious shrub and makes an interesting addition to a garden. Small, white, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers bloom from May to June.

Staphylea x elegans

Steganotaenia araliacea

Steganotaenia araliacea (Carrot Tree) is a native of South Africa and is related to the Carrot family. It's an intriguing plant with the crushed leaves having a distinctive carrot-like scent. The leaflets are pinnately compound with each one having a heavily toothed shape. The small, green to greenish-white flowers grow in umbels when the trees are without leaves.

For bonsai, this species forms a swelled trunk base with a mature height of 10-20 feet. It is moderately tolerant of water, although it handles dry conditions extremely well and prefers full sun exposure. The bark is yellowish gray-green and often peels off in papery strips. Steganotaenia araliacea is an excellent plant for hot and dry gardens and demonstrates great durability on steep, northern facing slopes.

When grown in a pot, the Carrot Tree ensures ornamental foliage and drought resistance. In colder regions, this species can sustain mature cold hardiness up to 30s F for a short time (USDA Zone 9-11). Taking proper care of the Carrot Tree is key for bonsai success. Ensure adequate and full sun exposure, moderate water and dry conditions. In winter, avoid overwatering and water only when soil appears dry. Fertilize lightly in summer and ensure the root ball has sustained enough water. Consider using greenhouse protection when temperatures drop to dangerous levels and ensure the Carrot Tree is appropriately pruned for adequate air circulation.

Stelechocarpus burahol

Stelechocarpus burahol is native to Southeast Asia and is also referred to as Burahol. It is a big tree and can grow up to taller than 20 feet, while a smaller variety is between 10-20 feet. It requires full sun or semi-shade and regular to moderate water. The flowers are yellow and orange and fragrant.

The fruit of the tree is edible and health benefits include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron and protein. The tree can produce up to 50-100 fruits annually. The USDA Hardiness Zone is 9-11. The tree grows best in a pot in cold regions.

The flesh is perfect for making desserts and sweets, while the peel can be used in jams, jellies, and chutneys. The pulp of the fruit is medicinal and can be used for controlling cholesterol levels, and for treating digestive problems.

Stelechocarpus cauliflorus, Sageraea cauliflora

Stelis megachlamys, Pleurothallis megachlamys, Dracontia tuerckheimii