MEDICAL PLANTS THAT CURING CORONA DISEASE(COVID-19 ), HIV AND ALL VIRUS RELATED

DISEASES

Cure COVID-19 and HIV and all Virus Related deasese by unique plants herbs endemic
plant of south Africa to the Philippines. They are used in medicine, as well as for
medicinal purposes. of years.Illness is only one of many risks that must be
considered when plants aand the world. They are used in medicine, as well as for
medicinal purposes.e taken out of their physical environment and produced in plain
places under what are often irregular circumstances. (Britannica .) Viruses and the
diseases they cause commonly have different names. Measles, for example, is caused
by the rubeola virus, German measles by the rubella virus, AIDS by HIV. The disease
causing the sickness in Wuhan was named COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease of 2019) and
the virus itself was provisionally referred to as 2019-nCoV (novel coronavirus of
2019, where “novel” meant previously unknown to science). Plant disease, an
impairment of the normal state of a plant that interrupts or modifies its vital
functions. All species of plants, wild and cultivated alike, are subject to
disease. Although each species is susceptible to characteristic diseases, these
are, in each case, relatively few in number. The occurrence and prevalence of plant
diseases vary from season to season, depending on the presence of the pathogen,
environmental conditions, and the crops and varieties grown. Some plant varieties
are particularly subject to outbreaks of diseases while others are more resistant
to them. See also list of plant diseases. ( Britannica .) Stapelia obducta
CACTUSPEDIA A flower just opened (before it takes on its more usual shape with the
petals folded back). MAINTENANCE: Spring: When winter ends and they begin to grow
again, they will require much more water and soaking the pots will no longer put
the plants at risk for rot . In the spring they will grow well in partial shade and
leaving them out in the rain may provide them with the water they need. Summer: In
the summer months they will tolerate heavy rain , but will be just as happy if the
season is dry. It's best to sort out the stems while the plants are resting in the
summer before they begin their autumnal growth cycle . They will tolerate very hot
weather outdoors as long as they are kept in filtered light and this will encourage
them to flower in the Autumn. They also enjoy some fertiliser. Moving the plants as
they are developing buds may cause them to spontaneously abort the flowers all
together. Autumn: In the fall keep them outdoors until the night time temperatures
drop below the 5°C. Winter : Winter care presents no problems at 5°-10° C with
plenty of light. As soon as they are flowered be sure to take extra precautions to
keep them dry , because damp cool conditions when the plants are resting is an
invitation to fungal infections , but according to temperatures –some occasional
lit watering may be use Propagation: Easiest with stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to
dry a day before planting. Stems must be laid (Not buried) on gritty compost and
will then root from the underside of the stems. It can also be increased from seeds
sowing in spring in moist, sandy peat moss . Barely cover seeds . Seeds germinate
quickly. In any season it's best to lay the stems out for several days before
replanting them and then pot them only in dry soil and with hold any water until
they begin to shrivel or start growing again. Potting medium: Since roots are quite
shallow, use a cactus mix or add extra perlite or pumice to regular soil potting
soil. A gritty, very freedraining compost is suitable, and clay pots help the
plants to dry out between watering. Re-pot every 2 years. Pest and diseases :
Stapelia are generally fairly easy to grow, especially if kept pest-free. They are
very susceptible to stem and root mealy bugs, and damage from these may well
initiate fungal attack . Any time when there is a dead or dying stem in the pot it
is important to remove it immediately and completely before other healthy stems can
become ill too, isolate the healthy parts, dry them off, and re-root them in new
compost. Stapelia L. Family: Apocynaceae Common names: carrion flower (Eng.);
aasblom (Afr.) View other plants in this family View other plants in this genus
Known globally as African starfish flowers, and locally as carrion flowers, members
of the genus Stapelia are usually characterised by their foul-smelling flowers
reminiscent of the odour of rotting meat. The hairs, coloration and surface mimic
decaying animal matter and attract mostly flies, which act as pollinators. The
strong carrion scent is sometimes recognisable at a great distance, especially on
hot afternoons. Surprisingly, species such as S. erectiflora and S. flavopurpurea
have sweetly scented flowers, but they are rare. Description Stapelias are low,
perennial succulents. The stems, their surface and branching make them immediately
recognisable. The stems are almost always erect and are usually uniformly green to
reddish, depending on the extent of exposure to the sun. Only rarely are they
mottled with red or purple on green. The stems of a small group of species are
greyish with darker purple in the grooves between the angles. Thickness of the
stems varies from 5-50 mm in diameter. Tubercles on the stems are laterally
flattened and vertically joined into continuous rows, rendering the stems 4-angled.
Each tubercle bears a small leaf rudiment, which may vary in width from 1-6 mm. It
is short-lived and leaves a round scar at the tip of the tubercle. The pubescence
of the stem surface is caused by the elongation of the outer walls of the epidermal
cells into slender papillae. The short papillae in some forms of S. schinzii, S.
hirsuta and S. remota give the plants a glabrous and shiny appearance. The flowers
are star-shaped. Large-flowered species bear their flowers usually at or near the
base of the plant. The flowers of the smaller-flowered species are usually
dispersed at various heights on the stems, sometimes at the base. Flowers in an
inflorescence generally open in succession. The flowers are extremely variable in
size (6-400 mm across), but there is usually little variation in the shape,
invariably being almost flat and deeply lobed. In most species, the corolla has
relatively long lobes and a small, central, united area. The surface of the corolla
is characteristic. The outside is usually uniformly papillate and the inside
transversely rugose (wrinkled). Two series of corona lobes are present: an outer
and inner corona. The fruit (follicles) are pubescent, sometimes containing a large
number of seeds. Seeds have a thin outer margin and a tuft of hairs (coma) helping
with wind dispersal. Conservation Status In general, stapelias are never very
abundant and are scattered over vast areas. In Namibia Stapelia pearsonii is listed
as rare. On an interim Red Data assessment (August 2006) of the Threatened Species
Programme (TSP, SANBI), 20 taxa are listed in the following IUCN categories: four
Data Deficient (DD), 10 Least Concern (LC), three Near Threatened (NT) ( Stapelia
baylissii, S. clavicorona and S. tsomoensis ), and three Vulnerable (VU) (Stapelia
obducta and both subspecies of S. praetermissa ). The general threat seems to be
degradation of habitat, but for most of the listed species the threats are unknown.
Distribution and habitat Stapelia is native to the arid regions of tropical and
southern Africa, in Botswana, Zimbabwe and especially in Namibia and South Africa
where about 43 species occur. Outside this region they are also found in southern
Angola, scattered in northern Zambia, southern Malawi and central Mozambique.
Collections from southern Tanzania and Kenya are probably of plants that have
escaped from cultivation. Plants are found in nearly all habitats, but mostly in
well-drained soils in the drier regions. In South Africa they are widely
distributed, but concentrated around the mountainous edge of the country. It is
absent from the sandy central parts of the Kalahari, the most arid areas of the
Namib and the wetter, higher parts of the Drakensberg. Stapelia contains a number
of very localised endemics such as S. clavicorona and S. remota. References Albers,
F. & Meve, U. 2002. Illustrated handbook of succulent plants. Asclepiadaceae.
Springer Verlag, Berlin. Armstrong, W.P. 1997. Stinking flowers. http://
waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0602.htm Bruyns, P.V. 2005. Stapeliads of southern Africa
and Madagascar, vol. 1. Umdaus Press, Hatfield, Pretoria. Court, D. 2000. Succulent
flora of southern Africa, revised edn. Balkema, Rotterdam. Hardy, D. & Fabian, A.
1992. Succulents of the Transvaal. Southern Book Publishers, Halfway House, South
Africa. Leach, L.C. 1985. A revision of Stapelia L. (Asclepiadaceae). Excelsa
Taxonomic Series, No. 3. Aloe, Cactus and Succulent Society, Zimbabwe. Leistner,
O.A. (ed.) 2000. Seeds plants of southern Africa : families and genera. Strelitzia
10. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. Leistner, O.A. 2005. Seed plants of
southern tropical Africa : families and genera. South African Botanical Diversity
Network Report No. 26. SABONET, Pretoria. Oliver, I.B. 1998. Grow succulents.
Kirstenbosch Gardening Series. National Botanical Institute, Cape Town. Smith, C.A.
1966. Common names of South African plants. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of
South Africa No. 35. Van Wyk, B-E. & Gericke, N. 2000. People's plants: a guide to
useful plants of southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria. S.P. Bester
National Herbarium November 2006 Derivation of name and historical aspects The name
Stapelia was introduced by Linnaeus who described it in 1737. The name honours
Johannes van Stapel, a 17th century physician and botanist. Ecology Members of this
strictly entomophilous (strongly associated with insects) genus occupy a wide
diversity of habitats, mostly in arid areas. The putrid smell of the flowers of
many species attracts
flies and other insects for pollination (myophily). It has been reported that
flies are sometimes so deceived by the odour that they lay their eggs around the
fleshy corona, convinced that it will be a food source for their hatching larvae.
The male and female parts of the flower and various membranes and sacs are fused
into a complex structure which usually traps the mouthparts or legs of insects. A
clip attached to two pollen sacs of the plant becomes attached to an insect in its
struggle to free itself. This is deposited on the next flower visited where the
pollen germinates, causes fertilisation and the development of seed. Individual
flowers are mostly short-lived, but in some cases plants have extended flowering
periods through the sequential formation of new ones under favourable conditions.
The light seed, with its coma and wing-like margin, is adapted to wind dispersal.
Most species appear to be relatively short-lived under natural conditions. They are
generally widely scattered, and populations sometimes vary considerably in density
over time, even disappearing from a locality where they were previously plentiful.
Uses Parts of Stapelia gigantea have been reported to be used by the Zulus as a
remedy for hysteria. These plants are, however, mainly sought by collectors of
succulent plants. Growing Stapelia Stapelias are subjects of interest rather than
beauty and are frequently grown by collectors of succulents. Some largeflowered
species make a good show when grown in masses in the garden. In general they are
drought-resistant succulents suited for rockeries, and the small-flowered species
are suitable as container plants. They are excellent subjects for a water-wise
garden. The sterile stems are very attractive when planted in full sunlight. When
in full flower, pollinators are attracted by the odour. For the eco-friendly
gardener this is a way of attracting food for birds and reptiles such as lizards to
the garden. Carrion flowers grow very easily in all parts of South Africa. They
like a sunny position and will also grow in light, semishade in hot climates. The
soil should have good drainage and a pH of 6.5-7.5. Most species do best in a
welldrained sandy medium consisting of equal parts of washed river sand, potting
soil and topsoil. Provided that they are not over-watered and are given a warm
position, stapelias will flower successfully. Plants from the wetter regions should
be watered more often than those originating from the drier regions. Rather water
plants sparingly than excessively. The plants require a period without water in
summer or winter (a dormant phase), depending on whether they come from the summer
or winter rainfall area. They can survive long periods without water, but be sure
to water them before they shrink too much and will not be able to recover. In
nature they are mostly sheltered from the sun by the shade of thickets and shrubs
or their roots escape high temperatures by growing below rocks and slabs, only
exposing the stems. Stapelias are easily propagated by stem cuttings or seed. Seeds
take about a year to ripen, but germinate rapidly after sowing. Fresh seeds usually
germinate better. Sow seed in spring in a well-drained, light, sandy soil mixed
with compost and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the temperature at 25-35 °C,
in a shaded and fairly moist position. Keep plants well ventilated and in good
light to prevent damping off. Treat the seedling medium with a fungicide, but keep
in mind that some chemicals may stunt their growth. Once the seedlings have
germinated and are about 50 mm high, they can be pricked out and planted (be
careful not to damage the roots when pricking out). Generally the plants grow fast
and most will flower within two to three years when grown from seed. Cuttings
should be taken during the active growing stage to ensure good rooting, before the
plants enter their dormant phase. Cuttings can flower in their first year,
depending on the size of the cutting. Stapelias grow easily from cuttings as long
as they are given adequate time to dry out before planting (at least two weeks).
Leave the cuttings in the shade to dry out. Use a fungicide drench before planting.
Place them in a wellventilated area with about 40% shade. Water daily during very
hot weather. Plants that do not grow well from cuttings can also be propagated by
grafting. Woolly aphids on the roots and underground stems and mealy bugs on the
stems and bases are the most common problems. A strong jet of water or a 50/50 mix
of methylated spirits and water can be used to eradicate these pests. Woolly
aphidsseeds at least once per year. If you're growing lettuce or other vegetables,
keep them in aand human beings. This type of virus is also known as the influenza B
Bloodborne illness, any of the set of diseases caused by pathogens , e.g., viruses
or microorganisms that are held in and spread through contact with people.General
Bloodborne diseases add hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and being immunodeficiency
microorganism (HIV ) .Viral hemorrhagic fevers, , e.g., Ebola virus illness and
Lassa fever, are different instances. (Britannica .) fish crab anchovy cantaloupe Â
crab  manatees ®IgG4-related illness (IgG4-RD ), once known as IgG4-related
general illness, is the degenerative inflammatory condition characterised by tissue
penetration with lymphocytes and IgG4-secreting plasma cells, several points of
fibrosis (scarring) and a usually prompt response to oral steroids.At about 51–70
percent of people with the illness, serum IgG4 concentrations are raised during the
intense period. (Wallace , Zachary S. Et al., 26 Aug 2015) (Stone et al., Oct 2012)
(Deshpande et al., 18 May 2012) are often yellowish. The leaves of these plants are
very long and have a thick, dark colorAlthough the odds of any single medical
design succeeding are reduced, this possibility that one of them can is
higher.Standard and variety should minimize risks.These authors are predicting
nominal returns of 5-8 percent for the debtholders and 8.9-11.4 percent for the
stake holders.These figures are generally aligned with median interest and debt
returns, and very distinct from the common uneven distribution of investments in
medical research between a couple of large successes and many duds. (the
Economist., Jan. 2013) D is very strong. The outer part of the Corolla may be
described as ÂPlants the Beauty and Sustenance of the Living Planet Plants are the
oldest inhabitants of earth and they appeared on land about 425 million years
ago.They are the longest living organisms on this planet. Plants are estimated to
have 300-315 thousand species. Plant and animal kingdoms are part of Allah’s grand
design and are interdependent for their existence on this planet. The plants are
essential for life on earth because all food chains start with plants. The plants
generate oxygen and consume carbon dioxide to manufacture their food through the
process of photosynthesis. This process is also termed as carbon fixation. The
plants are thus source of almost all atmospheric oxygen which is consumed by
animals for respiration. The animals perish and decompose to form ingredients which
are taken up by plant roots and utilized as food. Animals and plants thus create a
delicate balance for sustenance of life upon earth. Of course water being a basic
requirement for existence of life . Some Fascinating Facts about Plants -Titan Arum
( Amorphophallus titanum ) is a flowering plant with the largest inflorescence
which can reach the size of 10 feet. It is also known as corpse plant or carrion
flower due to its peculiar rotten meat like smell. With this smell it lures meat
eating insects for pollination. The first flowering takes 7-10 years with
subsequent flowers appearing every 2-3 years. The spathe which looks like a large
petal generally starts opening in the evening and remains open during the night and
then wilts. The flower is grown in private lawns with great interest and its
blooming celebrated with enthusiasm. It has single leaf which may attain the height
of 20 feet. Rose family of plants includes in addition to rose flower apples,
pears, plums, cherries, almonds and peaches. -Pitcher plants are known for being
predators of animals and feed on them. But a bigger species Nepenthes rajah has
very interesting symbiotic relationship with animals like shrews and bats which
benefits both of them. The pitchers of these plants are quite large and are used by
these animals as toilet bowl. In turn the plants use the fecal matter, which is
rich in nitrogen as food. Carnivorous Pitcher Plants These are mysterious meat
eating plants belonging to families Nepenthaceae and Sarraceniaceae. These are also
called pitcher plants due to peculiar shape of their leaves. Insects are mostly
their prey but larger pitchers may trap bigger animals like frogs, snakes and
birds. -Their leaves are unique in the kingdom plantae since these are transformed
for trapping the prey. These leaves are deeply curled to form a cup like structure
which moves on mid vein. In some species the leaves are shaped like pitcher. -These
leaves have bright colors and attractive patterns to lure their prey. The pitchers
are filled with sweet smelling sticky fluid having digestive chemicals similar to
secretions in the stomach of animals. -The unsuspecting prey lands on the pitcher
in the hope of getting nectar and gets trapped in the sticky fluid. The contents of
the fluid quickly dissolve the body of the prey and it is sucked into the plant
system as food. The Carbon Cycle The process of utilization of carbon by plants and
animals is unending and can be summarized as depicted in carbon cycle below.The
root is underground part and acts as anchor the aerial parts to fix them firmly in
soil. Its main function is to absorb water from the soil along with soluble plant
nutrients. The nutrient
solution is transported through stem to the aerial parts. From the leaf the dilute
solution is concentrated while excessive water is evaporated to the atmosphere
through the process of transpiration. The nutrients are utilized by the plants for
food manufacture. Photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which plants
manufacture their food though it is also carried out by a few other organisms like
algae. Organisms capable of photosynthesis are termed as ‘photoautotrophs’ This is
the most significant process for the sustenance of life on this planet .It has been
estimated that around 130 tetra watts of energy are captured by the process of
photosynthesis. About 110-115 thousand million metric tons of carbon is converted
into biomass annually. It takes place subject to following prerequisites. -Presence
of water -Carbon dioxide -Optimum temperature -Sunlight energy -Chlorophyll
Photosynthesis is the process in which the plants convert the energy of sunlight
into organic chemical energy in the form of carbohydrates i.e. sugars.
Photosynthesis is opposite of respiration in which glucose and other compounds are
oxidised to produce carbon dioxide and water which results in release of energy for
metabolic processes of the plant. Water is the basic requirement as it is essential
for all biological processes. It occurs at optimum temperature and slows down or
stops at low or extremely high temperature range. Photosynthesis takes place in day
time when abundant solar radiation is available. Carbon dioxide is crucial to
photosynthesis since plants split it to utilize its carbon and oxygen is released
in the air which is essential for survival of animals. Carbon dioxide ratio in
atmosphere is just 0.035 %, but its role in plants hence existence of life is
vital. Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is a chlorine pigment with magnesium at the centre
of the chlorine ring which imparts green color to the leaves. It is present in
plant cells in the chloroplasts which are mostly concentrated in the leaves. Each
cell may contain from 10-100 chloroplasts and a square millimeter of leaf area can
have 450,000 to 800,000 chloroplasts. The significance of chlorophyll Here the
reference to green contents in plants i.e. chlorophyll and its link to production
of all fruits and crops has been explicitly established. The Arabic word ‘Khadran’,
means green and has been taken as referring to chlorophyll by scholars including
Maurice Bucaille. The process of photosynthesis is highly complex and scientists
have not yet been able to decipher it completely. The end product i.e. sugar is the
result of many intermediates. The simplest reaction is depicted in the following
equation: 6H2O +6CO2 light C6H12O6+6O2 Water +carbon dioxide sugar +oxygen The
sugar undergoes many transformations before they are stored in fruits, tubers,
seeds or other plant parts. The stored food is recycled to breakdown complex sugar
to simpler forms in the process of respiration. The energy thus released is used by
plants in different biological process for existence of their species. As we have
seen oxygen is essential for the process of combustion. Oxygen is produced by
plants in the process of photosynthesis which takes place due to reactions induced
by green matter in leaves i.e. chlorophyll. Here Allah says that fire has been
produced by Him out of green trees which is a clear reference to release of oxygen
because trees/wood burn only when dry and not while green. When we study , the
topic is Allah’s power of resurrection of human being on the day of judgement. This
is a discreet pointer to this fact because burning produces carbon dioxide which is
released into the atmosphere and ashes which return to soil. Apparently the matter
is destroyed, but same is resurrected with the process of photosynthesis and
nutrient uptake by plants from soil. New plants are born and the eternal cycle of
living things coming out of dead and dead things coming out of living goes on.
Reproduction in plants: Plants like all living organisms reproduce for survival of
their species. Plants produce seeds which in turn germinate and grow to full bloom
plants/trees, though asexual reproduction is also common. Based on mode of
reproduction the plants have been classified as under: Gymnosperms: Non flowering
plants. They don’t produce seed and reproduce asexually. Angiosperms : Flowering
plants which produce seed. Sexual reproduction: It involves fusion of male and
female gametes (pollen and egg) to produce a new plant through reproductive cycle.
Asexual reproduction: It is growing of new plants involving vegetative parts of
parent plants like cuttings, buds, grafting, roots, stems, suckers and tissue
culture. This is cloning and the new plants resemble in characteristics and
appearance to those of the parents. The Flower Seeds and fruits are produced from
flowers. A typical flower has following parts though wide variation and adaptations
prevail:- Calyx : This is the outermost whorl which is usually green and consists
of units called sepals. Sepals enclose other flower parts in the bud stage.
Variations in size and color are found in some flowers. Corolla : This whorl
contains petals which are mostly delicate and have attractive color to seduce
insects and other animals for pollination. The petals are arranged in symmetrical
forms which are used by botanists to establish relationship among plant species. If
there is more than one flower on an axis, the cluster is called inflorescence.
Stamens (Androecium): The next whorl consisting of units called stamens which form
male reproductive organs. Stamens consists of two parts; stalk called filament,
topped by anther where pollen is produced and dispersed. Carpel/ovary (Gynoecium) :
This is female reproductive part of the flower. This is the innermost whorl of a
flower, consisting of one or more units called carpels. The carpels fuse to form
hollow structure, the ovary. Gynoecium consisting of ovary, stigma, and style is
also termed as pistil. The ovary produces ovules or eggs.Pollination: The pollen
produced by anthers having spores reaches the pistil to fertilize the female eggs
and the process of reproduction sets in. Male and female parts having half number
of chromosomes fuse to produce fruits and seeds. The process of access of pollen to
the female part of the flower is termed as pollination. Some flowers are fertilized
from the pollen by the same flower which is called self pollination. If pollens of
other plants fertilize, it is termed as cross pollination. Various carriers perform
in this important process i.e. Pollination by insects and other animals: Insects
and other animals play an important role in pollination. They are attracted to the
flowers by scent, bright colors or collection of nectar as food. While visiting
flowers, pollen sticks to their body parts and they transfer it to female parts
while visiting other flowers. Pollination by air : Air is a major agent in transfer
of pollen to female parts. Pollen of plants using air as pollination agent is light
produced in great numbers and dry. The flowers of such plants are not attractive
and pollen has little nutritional value since this is not required. Stapelia
obducta CACTUSPEDIA A flower just opened (before it takes on its more usual shape
with the petals folded back). MAINTENANCE: Spring: When winter ends and they begin
to grow again, they will require much more water and soaking the pots will no
longer put the plants at risk for rot . In the spring they will grow well in
partial shade and leaving them out in the rain may provide them with the water they
need. Summer: In the summer months they will tolerate heavy rain , but will be just
as happy if the season is dry. It's best to sort out the stems while the plants are
resting in the summer before they begin their autumnal growth cycle . They will
tolerate very hot weather outdoors as long as they are kept in filtered light and
this will encourage them to flower in the Autumn. They also enjoy some fertiliser.
Moving the plants as they are developing buds may cause them to spontaneously abort
the flowers all together. Autumn: In the fall keep them outdoors until the night
time temperatures drop below the 5°C. Winter : Winter care presents no problems at
5°-10° C with plenty of light. As soon as they are flowered be sure to take extra
precautions to keep them dry , because damp cool conditions when the plants are
resting is an invitation to fungal infections , but according to temperatures –some
occasional lit watering may be use Propagation: Easiest with stem cuttings. Allow
cuttings to dry a day before planting. Stems must be laid (Not buried) on gritty
compost and will then root from the underside of the stems. It can also be
increased from seeds sowing in spring in moist, sandy peat moss . Barely cover
seeds . Seeds germinate quickly. In any season it's best to lay the stems out for
several days before replanting them and then pot them only in dry soil and with
hold any water until they begin to shrivel or start growing again. Potting medium:
Since roots are quite shallow, use a cactus mix or add extra perlite or pumice to
regular soil potting soil. A gritty, very freedraining compost is suitable, and
clay pots help the plants to dry out between watering. Re-pot every 2 years. Pest
and diseases : Stapelia are generally fairly easy to grow, especially if kept pest-
free. They are very susceptible to stem and root mealy bugs, and damage from these
may well initiate fungal attack . Any time when there is a dead or dying stem in
the pot it is important to remove it immediately and completely before other
healthy stems can become ill too, isolate the healthy parts, dry them off, and re-
root them in new compost. Stapelia L. Family: Apocynaceae Common names: carrion
flower (Eng.); aasblom (Afr.) View other plants in this family QR code link
View other plants in this genus Known globally as African starfish flowers, and
locally as carrion flowers, members of the genus Stapelia are usually characterised
by their foul-smelling flowers reminiscent of the odour of rotting meat. The hairs,
coloration and surface mimic decaying animal matter and attract mostly flies, which
act as pollinators. The strong carrion scent is sometimes recognisable at a great
distance, especially on hot afternoons. Surprisingly, species such as S.
erectiflora and S. flavopurpurea have sweetly scented flowers, but they are rare.
Description Stapelias are low, perennial succulents. The stems, their surface and
branching make them immediately recognisable. The stems are almost always erect and
are usually uniformly green to reddish, depending on the extent of exposure to the
sun. Only rarely are they mottled with red or purple on green. The stems of a small
group of species are greyish with darker purple in the grooves between the angles.
Thickness of the stems varies from 5-50 mm in diameter. Tubercles on the stems are
laterally flattened and vertically joined into continuous rows, rendering the stems
4-angled. Each tubercle bears a small leaf rudiment, which may vary in width from
1-6 mm. It is short-lived and leaves a round scar at the tip of the tubercle. The
pubescence of the stem surface is caused by the elongation of the outer walls of
the epidermal cells into slender papillae. The short papillae in some forms of S.
schinzii, S. hirsuta and S. remota give the plants a glabrous and shiny appearance.
The flowers are star-shaped. Large-flowered species bear their flowers usually at
or near the base of the plant. The flowers of the smaller-flowered species are
usually dispersed at various heights on the stems, sometimes at the base. Flowers
in an inflorescence generally open in succession. The flowers are extremely
variable in size (6-400 mm across), but there is usually little variation in the
shape, invariably being almost flat and deeply lobed. In most species, the corolla
has relatively long lobes and a small, central, united area. The surface of the
corolla is characteristic. The outside is usually uniformly papillate and the
inside transversely rugose (wrinkled). Two series of corona lobes are present: an
outer and inner corona. The fruit (follicles) are pubescent, sometimes containing a
large number of seeds. Seeds have a thin outer margin and a tuft of hairs (coma)
helping with wind dispersal. Conservation Status In general, stapelias are never
very abundant and are scattered over vast areas. In Namibia Stapelia pearsonii is
listed as rare. On an interim Red Data assessment (August 2006) of the Threatened
Species Programme (TSP, SANBI), 20 taxa are listed in the following IUCN
categories: four Data Deficient (DD), 10 Least Concern (LC), three Near Threatened
(NT) ( Stapelia baylissii, S. clavicorona and S. tsomoensis ), and three Vulnerable
(VU) (Stapelia obducta and both subspecies of S. praetermissa ). The general threat
seems to be degradation of habitat, but for most of the listed species the threats
are unknown. Distribution and habitat Stapelia is native to the arid regions of
tropical and southern Africa, in Botswana, Zimbabwe and especially in Namibia and
South Africa where about 43 species occur. Outside this region they are also found
in southern Angola, scattered in northern Zambia, southern Malawi and central
Mozambique. Collections from southern Tanzania and Kenya are probably of plants
that have escaped from cultivation. Plants are found in nearly all habitats, but
mostly in well-drained soils in the drier regions. In South Africa they are widely
distributed, but concentrated around the mountainous edge of the country. It is
absent from the sandy central parts of the Kalahari, the most arid areas of the
Namib and the wetter, higher parts of the Drakensberg. Stapelia contains a number
of very localised endemics such as S. clavicorona and S. remota. References Albers,
F. & Meve, U. 2002. Illustrated handbook of succulent plants. Asclepiadaceae.
Springer Verlag, Berlin. Armstrong, W.P. 1997. Stinking flowers. http://
waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0602.htm Bruyns, P.V. 2005. Stapeliads of southern Africa
and Madagascar, vol. 1. Umdaus Press, Hatfield, Pretoria. Court, D. 2000. Succulent
flora of southern Africa, revised edn. Balkema, Rotterdam. Hardy, D. & Fabian, A.
1992. Succulents of the Transvaal. Southern Book Publishers, Halfway House, South
Africa. Leach, L.C. 1985. A revision of Stapelia L. (Asclepiadaceae). Excelsa
Taxonomic Series, No. 3. Aloe, Cactus and Succulent Society, Zimbabwe. Leistner,
O.A. (ed.) 2000. Seeds plants of southern Africa : families and genera. Strelitzia
10. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria. Leistner, O.A. 2005. Seed plants of
southern tropical Africa : families and genera. South African Botanical Diversity
Network Report No. 26. SABONET, Pretoria. Oliver, I.B. 1998. Grow succulents.
Kirstenbosch Gardening Series. National Botanical Institute, Cape Town. Smith, C.A.
1966. Common names of South African plants. Memoirs of the Botanical Survey of
South Africa No. 35. Van Wyk, B-E. & Gericke, N. 2000. People's plants: a guide to
useful plants of southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria. S.P. Bester
National Herbarium November 2006 Derivation of name and historical aspects The name
Stapelia was introduced by Linnaeus who described it in 1737. The name honours
Johannes van Stapel, a 17th century physician and botanist. Ecology Members of this
strictly entomophilous (strongly associated with insects) genus occupy a wide
diversity of habitats, mostly in arid areas. The putrid smell of the flowers of
many species attracts flies and other insects for pollination (myophily). It has
been reported that flies are sometimes so deceived by the odour that they lay their
eggs around the fleshy corona, convinced that it will be a food source for their
hatching larvae. The male and female parts of the flower and various membranes and
sacs are fused into a complex structure which usually traps the mouthparts or legs
of insects. A clip attached to two pollen sacs of the plant becomes attached to an
insect in its struggle to free itself. This is deposited on the next flower visited
where the pollen germinates, causes fertilisation and the development of seed.
Individual flowers are mostly short-lived, but in some cases plants have extended
flowering periods through the sequential formation of new ones under favourable
conditions. The light seed, with its coma and wing-like margin, is adapted to wind
dispersal. Most species appear to be relatively short-lived under natural
conditions. They are generally widely scattered, and populations sometimes vary
considerably in density over time, even disappearing from a locality where they
were previously plentiful. Uses Parts of Stapelia gigantea have been reported to be
used by the Zulus as a remedy for hysteria. These plants are, however, mainly
sought by collectors of succulent plants. Growing Stapelia Stapelias are subjects
of interest rather than beauty and are frequently grown by collectors of
succulents. Some largeflowered species make a good show when grown in masses in the
garden. In general they are drought-resistant succulents suited for rockeries, and
the small-flowered species are suitable as container plants. They are excellent
subjects for a water-wise garden. The sterile stems are very attractive when
planted in full sunlight. When in full flower, pollinators are attracted by the
odour. For the eco-friendly gardener this is a way of attracting food for birds and
reptiles such as lizards to the garden. Carrion flowers grow very easily in all
parts of South Africa. They like a sunny position and will also grow in light,
semishade in hot climates. The soil should have good drainage and a pH of 6.5-7.5.
Most species do best in a welldrained sandy medium consisting of equal parts of
washed river sand, potting soil and topsoil. Provided that they are not over-
watered and are given a warm position, stapelias will flower successfully. Plants
from the wetter regions should be watered more often than those originating from
the drier regions. Rather water plants sparingly than excessively. The plants
require a period without water in summer or winter (a dormant phase), depending on
whether they come from the summer or winter rainfall area. They can survive long
periods without water, but be sure to water them before they shrink too much and
will not be able to recover. In nature they are mostly sheltered from the sun by
the shade of thickets and shrubs or their roots escape high temperatures by growing
below rocks and slabs, only exposing the stems. Stapelias are easily propagated by
stem cuttings or seed. Seeds take about a year to ripen, but germinate rapidly
after sowing. Fresh seeds usually germinate better. Sow seed in spring in a well-
drained, light, sandy soil mixed with compost and cover with a thin layer of soil.
Keep the temperature at 25-35 °C, in a shaded and fairly moist position. Keep
plants well ventilated and in good light to prevent damping off. Treat the seedling
medium with a fungicide, but keep in mind that some chemicals may stunt their
growth. Once the seedlings have germinated and are about 50 mm high, they can be
pricked out and planted (be careful not to damage the roots when pricking out).
Generally the plants grow fast and most will flower within two to three years when
grown from seed. Cuttings should be taken during the active growing stage to ensure
good rooting, before the plants enter their dormant phase. Cuttings can flower in
their first year, depending on the size of the cutting. Stapelias grow easily from
cuttings as long as they are given adequate time to dry out before planting (at
least two weeks). Leave the cuttings in the shade to dry out. Use a fungicide
drench
before planting. Place them in a wellventilated area with about 40% shade. Water
daily during very hot weather. Plants that do not grow well from cuttings can also
be propagated by grafting. Woolly aphids on the roots and underground stems and
mealy bugs on the stems and bases are the most common problems. A strong jet of
water or a 50/50 mix of methylated spirits and water can be used to eradicate these
pests. Woolly aphids Kalanchoe humilis DESCRIPTION: Easy care large succulent with
large oval flat grey-green leaves marked with maroon-red. The leaves are arranged
in an upright rosette. Happy mature plants will grow a flower spike with smaller
leaves along it and tiny flowers. USES: Ornamental plant ideal in well lit areas
Striking landscaping plant for waterwise gardens in frost-free areas. PLANTING:
Plant in free draining or even rocky soil in pots or out in the garden, taking care
to keep the crown above the soil. Suited to full sun where it will develop more
colour. Protect plants from single-digit temperatures. CARE: Like most succulents,
require little water. Fortnightly watering during the warmer months will keep
plants looking lush; reduce water in winter so the soil almost dries out. Fertilise
during spring with an organic liquid feed mixed at half rate. If potted plants
become crowded as pups develop, remove young plants and share with neighbours or
repot. HEIGHT & WIDTH: 90cm H x 60cm W. YOUR PLANTS: Supplied as plugs', slightly
smaller than our usual tubestock but with a healthy root system ready for planting
or potting on. Please help me with my research. I am very grateful conclusion point
on my additional pre review COVID-19 treatment with unique plants and endemic
plants in South Africa How will a unique COVID-19 be treated with unique plants? A
unique plant is a beautiful red and green flower like a succulent potted clay in
the Florida Botanical Garden in Largo Stock Photo: 334113382 Alamy
"https://www.alamy.com/beautiful-red-and-green-flower-likeplant Potted succulents
in terracotta-in-florida-botanical garden in Largo image334113382.html How will the
epidemic COVID-19 be treated by a plant endemic in South Africa from stapelia
obducta? http://pza.sanbi.org/stapelia Corona virus and its causes The new
coronavirus, now called SARS-CoV-2, causes COVID-19. Initial reports on the new
coronavirus appeared from Wuhan, China, on December 31, 2019, with patients
suffering from pneumonia of unknown origin. As of March 2, more than 90,000 cases
have been confirmed worldwide, including 45,705 cases that have ended in a
recovering hospital and more than 3,000 deaths. Scientists are not sure where the
virus originated, although they know that coronaviruses (which also include SARS
and MERS) can be transmitted between animals and humans. According to the World
Health Organization, corona viruses (CoV) are a large group of viruses that cause
diseases ranging from colds to more serious diseases such as Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS- CoV).
There are at least six other types of coronavirus that can infect humans. Some
cause colds, while others cause SARS and Middle East respiratory syndrome. It is
believed that the SARS-Cove-2 strain originated in bats. Therefore, coronaviruses
are animal origin, which means that they are transmitted between animals and
people. *** Bats, they say, are the cause of this virus. But in Wuhan, where the
evil virus started, bats have not been found, so what could be the cause of the
Corona virus? In fact, many scientists have presented in a different way. Some
scientists say that it is true that the epidemic is transmitted between humans and
animals, but I agree with that, but from my point of view I am asking about the
cause of the Corona virus to answer these questions. I think that corona or COVID-
19 originated from A white-tailed bald eagle collides with fish during the summer,
and a mixture of different eagles was a combination of their own virus in the
nature virus and pollution from climate change will return from the smoke industry
to contribute to the formation in addition to a mixture of different types of
naturally owned eagle virus which It is not a symptom and diagnosis of eagle eagles
But this virus helps eagle tripping and heart, but we hope that this will be the
virus to humans and other animals, making it spreads and B so, while the return to
the main point After joining all of the above, the circumstances made clear his
main reasons for causing the epidemic, but the first infected animal is if we say
its eagle while referring to how a person was exposed to detect epidemic diseases?
In fact, as I tried to explain above after an covid -19 infected eagle collided
with a fish collision during the summer, COVID- 19 had been circulating in the
ocean since it collided with fish during the summer. You know that oceans were
exposed to COVID-19 while an eagle collided with a fish while a person came to
search for Fish for general consumption so COVID-19 infectious fish are spread to
humans according to my assumptions to summarize belowPlease help me with my
research. I am very grateful for your support and encouragement. Smoke industry
Climate change Atmospheric pollution and poisoning of all hairs, especially the
white-tailed bald eagle The eagle in summer makes catching with fish An epidemic
virus Spreads in Oceans after the eagle collides with the fish ----- Fisher Man of
the Consumer for humans Medicinal plants that heal ** corana ** remove COVID-19
from both the patient and the animal Medicinal uses of unique plants are a
beautiful red and green flower like succulent pots in Florida Botanical Garden in
Largo Stock Photo: 334113382 Alamy "https://www.alamy.com/beautiful-red-and-green-
flower as a succulent potted plant. In the terracotta-in-Florida-botanical garden
in Largo image334113382.html 1, Improving breathtaking tightness for a COVID-19
patient by inhaling the powder of this plant 2, Clean COVID-19 lung disease 3,
Remove carbon emissions from the lungs and lead to the drainage of solid liquids
from the lungs that completely remove and enable oxygen to visualize in the lungs
and fixed 4, to reconstruct a broken lateral bone from human action without surgery
is possible only during inhalation of the powder from this red and grammatical
green flower such as leaves of plants and succulent herbs, and this time it will
pump the lungs to drain fluid through this inhalation and re-install the broken
side bone displaced to the right place 5, While we see about animals infected with
COVID-19, we simply have to make a water solution for this red and canine green
flower like the leaves of the potted plants in the water make this aqueous solution
an animal in addition this plant aqueous solutions is preventing anti gamma corona
viruses rays , broad spectrum and rainbow from this animal Drinks without any doubt
animals will cure COVID-19 and this is true for all animalsPlease help me with my
research. I am very grateful for your support and encouragement. 2, a plant endemic
to South Africa Stapelia obducta cactuspedia Zahra just opened (before she takes on
her more usual shape With the petal http://pza.sanbi.org/stapelia A plant endemic
to South Africa “staplea obducta” for treatment of COVID-19, HIV and all other
virus-related diseases In short 1,this plant cures every virus related deasese or
COVID-19 and HIV and all Virus Related 2, cure blood born deasese and AiDS or HIV
3, cure lung cancer and cure TB patient 4, cleaning up the atmosphere and make to
stable and serves to planet to exist This plants cures for every deasese but the
the details parts of the this plant with picture i have attached you in pdf form
Explanation of this plant I will leave it to reporters to allow it to further
investigate but I hope it has been explained in the pre-DOC I sent you before
prepared by Ahmed Tofik Ali From Ethiopia, Oromia, east harerghe Baroda town See
you again Thank you !!! References (Jul. 2018). Plant disease. Britannica.
Retrieved from www.britannica.com/science/plant-disease( Britannica .) (Jul. 2018).
Bloodborne disease. Britannica. Retrieved from
www.britannica.com/science/bloodborne-disease( Britannica .) Wallace, Zachary S.;
Deshpande, Vikram; Mattoo, Hamid; Mahajan, Vinay S.; Kulikova, Maria; Pillai, Shiv;
Stone, John H. (26 August 2015). "IgG4-Related Disease: Clinical and Laboratory
Features in One Hundred Twenty-Five Patients". Arthritis & Rheumatology. 67 (9):
2466–2475. doi:10.1002/art.39205. PMC 4621270 . PMID 25988916. (Wallace, Zachary S.
et al., 26 August 2015) John H. Stone; Arezou Khosroshahi; Vikram Deshpande; John
K. C. Chan; J. Godfrey Heathcote; Rob Aalberse; Atsushi Azumi; Donald B. Bloch;
William R. Brugge; Mollie N. Carruthers; Wah Cheuk; Lynn Cornell; Carlos Fernandez-
Del Castillo; Judith A. Ferry; David Forcione; Günter Klöppe; Daniel L. Hamilos;
Terumi Kamisawa; Satomi Kasashima; Shigeyuki Kawa; Mitsuhiro Kawano; Yasufumi
Masaki; Kenji Notohara; Kazuichi Okazaki; Ji Kon Ryu; Takako Saeki; Dushyant
Sahani; Yasuharu Sato; Thomas Smyrk; James R. Stone; Masayuki Takahira; Hisanori
Umehara; George Webster; Motohisa Yamamoto; Eunhee Yi; Tadashi Yoshino; Giuseppe
Zamboni; Yoh Zen; Suresh Chari (October 2012). "Recommendations for the
nomenclature of IgG4-related disease and its individual organ system
manifestations". Arthritis & Rheumatism. 64 (10): 3061–3067. doi:10.1002/art.34593.
PMID 22736240. (Stone et al., October 2012) Vikram Deshpande; Yoh Zen; John KC
Chan; Eunhee E Yi; Yasuharu Sato; Tadashi Yoshino; Günter Klöppe; J Godfrey
Heathcote; Arezou Khosroshahi; Judith A Ferry; Rob C Aalberse; Donald B Bloch;
William R Brugge; Adrian C Bateman; Mollie N Carruthers; Suresh T Chari; Wah Cheuk;
Lynn D Cornell; Carlos Fernandez-Del Castillo; David G Forcione; Daniel L Hamilos;
Terumi Kamisawa; Satomi
Kasashima; Shigeyuki Kawa; Mitsuhiro Kawano; Gregory Y Lauwers; Yasufumi Masaki;
Yasuni Nakanuma; Kenji Notohara; Kazuichi Okazaki; Ji Kon Ryu; Takako Saeki;
Dushyant V Sahani; Thomas C Smyrk; James R Stone; Masayuki Takahira; George J
Webster; Motohisa Yamamoto; Giuseppe Zamboni; Hisanori Umehara; John H Stone (18
May 2012). "Consensus statement on the pathology of IgG4-related disease". Modern
Pathology. 25 (9): 1181– 1192. doi:10.1038/modpathol.2012.72. PMID 22596100.
(Deshpande et al., 18 May 2012) The Economist. (Jan. 2013). Disease or cure? The
Economist. Retrieved from https://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-
economics/21570722-howsecuritisation-may-help-your-health-disease-or-cure(The
Economist., Jan. 2013) (Jul. 2018). Plant disease. Britannica. Retrieved from
www.britannica.com/science/plant-disease( Britannica .) Go to Plants of the Week
Advanced Search Stapelia L. Family: Apocynaceae Common names: carrion flower
(Eng.); aasblom (Afr.) View other plants in this family QR code link View other
plants in this genus Known globally as African starfish flowers, and locally as
carrion flowers, members of the genus Stapelia are usually characterised by their
foul-smelling flowers reminiscent of the odour of rotting meat. The hairs,
coloration and surface mimic decaying animal matter and attract mostly flies, which
act as pollinators. The strong carrion scent is sometimes recognisable at a great
distance, especially on hot afternoons. Surprisingly, species such as S.
erectiflora and S. flavopurpurea have sweetly scented flowers, but they are rare.
Login | Register HOME ABOUT PLANTS OF THE WEEK VEGETATION OF SOUTH AFRICA
INFORMATION LIBRARY CONTACT Stapelia General site search Description Stapelias are
low, perennial succulents. The stems, their surface and branching make them
immediately recognisable. T stems are almost always erect and are usually uniformly
green to reddish, depending on the extent of exposure to the s Only rarely are they
mottled with red or purple on green. The stems of a small group of species are
greyish with darker purple in the grooves between the angles. Thickness of th stems
varies from 5-50 mm in diameter. Tubercles on the stems are laterally flattened and
vertically joined into continuo rows, rendering the stems 4-angled. Each tubercle
bears a small leaf rudiment, which may vary in width from 1-6 mm. It is short-lived
and leaves a round scar at the tip of the tubercle. The pubescence of the stem
surface is caused by the elongation of the outer walls of the epidermal cells into
slender papillae. The short papillae in some forms of S. schinzii, hirsuta and S.
remota give the plants a glabrous and shiny appearance. The flowers are star-
shaped. Large-flowered species bear their flowers usually at or near the base of
the plant. The flow of the smaller-flowered species are usually dispersed at
various heights on the stems, sometimes at the base. Flowers in an inflorescence
generally open in succession. The flowers are extremely variable in size (6-400 mm
across), but there i usually little variation in the shape, invariably being almost
flat and deeply lobed. In most species, the corolla has relatively long lobes and a
small, central, united area. The surface of the corolla is characteristic. The
outside is usually uniformly papillate and the inside transversely rugose
(wrinkled). Two series of coro lobes are present: an outer and inner corona. The
fruit (follicles) are pubescent, sometimes containing a large number of seeds.
Seeds have a thin outer margin and a tuft of hairs (coma) helping with wind
dispersal. Conservation Status In general, stapelias are never very abundant and
are scattered over vast areas. In Namibia Stapelia pearsonii is listed a rare. On
an interim Red Data assessment (August 2006) of the Threatened Species Programme
(TSP, SANBI), 20 taxa ar listed in the following IUCN categories: four Data
Deficient (DD), 10 Least Concern (LC), three Near Threatened (NT) (Stapelia
baylissii, S. clavicorona and S. tsomoensis ), and three Vulnerable (VU) (Stapelia
obducta and both subspecies o S. praetermissa). The general threat seems to be
degradation of habitat, but for most of the listed species the threats are unknown.
Distribution and habitat Stapelia is native to the arid regions of tropical and
southern Africa, in Botswana, Zimbabwe and especially in Namibia a South Africa
where about 43 species occur. Outside this region they are also found in southern
Angola, scattered in northern Zambia, southern Malawi and central Mozambique.
Collections from southern Tanzania and Kenya are probably plants that have escaped
from cultivation. Plants are found in nearly all habitats, but mostly in well-
drained soils in the dr regions. In South Africa they are widely distributed, but
concentrated around the mountainous edge of the country. It is absent from the
sandy central parts of the Kalahari, the most arid areas of the Namib and the
wetter, higher parts of the Drakensberg. Stapelia contains a number of very
localised endemics such as S. clavicorona and S. remota. Derivation of name and
historical aspects The name Stapelia was introduced by Linnaeus who described it in
1737. The name honours Johannes van Stapel, a 17th century physician and botanist.
Ecology Members of this strictly entomophilous (strongly associated with insects)
genus occupy a wide diversity of habitats, most in arid areas. The putrid smell of
the flowers of many species attracts flies and other insects for pollination
(myophily). It h been reported that flies are sometimes so deceived by the odour
that they lay their eggs around the fleshy corona, convinced that it will be a food
source for their hatching larvae. The male and female parts of the flower and
various membranes and sacs are fused into a complex structure which usu traps the
mouthparts or legs of insects. A clip attached to two pollen sacs of the plant
becomes attached to an insect in struggle to free itself. This is deposited on the
next flower visited where the pollen germinates, causes fertilisation and th
development of seed. Individual flowers are mostly short-lived, but in some cases
plants have extended flowering periods through the sequent formation of new ones
under favourable conditions. The light seed, with its coma and wing-like margin, is
adapted to wind dispersal. Most species appear to be relatively short-lived under
natural conditions. They are generally widely scattered, and populations sometimes
vary considerably in density over time, even disappearing from a locality where
they were previously plentiful. Uses Parts of Stapelia gigantea have been reported
to be used by the Zulus as a remedy for hysteria. These plants are, howev mainly
sought by collectors of succulent plants. Growing Stapelia Stapelias are subjects
of interest rather than beauty and are frequently grown by collectors of
succulents. Some largeflowered species make a good show when grown in masses in the
garden. In general they are drought-resistant succulents suited for rockeries, and
the small-flowered species are suitable as container plants. They are excellent
subje for a water-wise garden. The sterile stems are very attractive when planted
in full sunlight. When in full flower, pollinators are attracted by the odour. For
the eco-friendly gardener this is a way of attracting food for birds and reptiles
such as lizards to the garden. Carrion flowers grow very easily in all parts of
South Africa. They like a sunny position and will also grow in light, semishade in
hot climates. The soil should have good drainage and a pH of 6.5-7.5. Most species
do best in a well-drain sandy medium consisting of equal parts of washed river
sand, potting soil and topsoil. Provided that they are not over-watered and are
given a warm position, stapelias will flower successfully. Plants from the wetter
regions should be watered more often than those originating from the drier regions.
Rather water plants sparingly than excessively. The plants require a period without
water in summer or winter (a dormant phase), depending on wheth they come from the
summer or winter rainfall area. They can survive long periods without water, but be
sure to water the before they shrink too much and will not be able to recover. In
nature they are mostly sheltered from the sun by the shad of thickets and shrubs or
their roots escape high temperatures by growing below rocks and slabs, only
exposing the ste Stapelias are easily propagated by stem cuttings or seed. Seeds
take about a year to ripen, but germinate rapidly after sowing. Fresh seeds usually
germinate better. Sow seed in spring in a well-drained, light, sandy soil mixed
with compost and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the temperature at 25-35 °C,
in a shaded and fairly moist position. Keep plants w ventilated and in good light
to prevent damping off. Treat the seedling medium with a fungicide, but keep in
mind that some chemicals may stunt their growth. Once the seedlings have germinated
and are about 50 mm high, they can be pricked out and planted (be careful not to
damage the roots when pricking out). Generally the plants grow fast and most will
flower within two to three years when grown from seed. Cuttings should be taken
during the active growing stage to ensure good rooting, before the plants enter
their dormant phase. Cuttings can flower in their first year, depending on the size
of the cutting. Stapelias grow easily from cuttings as long as they are given
adequate time to dry out before planting (at least two weeks). Leave the cuttings
in the shade to d out. Use a fungicide drench before planting. Place them in a
well-ventilated area with about 40% shade. Water daily duri very hot weather.
Plants that do not grow well from cuttings can also be propagated by grafting.
Woolly aphids on the roots and underground stems and mealy bugs on the
stems and bases are the most common problems. A strong jet of water or a 50/50 mix
of methylated spirits and water can be used to eradicate these pests. Woolly aphids
Black rot, a secondary infection after woolly aphid attacks, is also problematic.
Remove all traces of black rot with a steri knife, spray the plant with Benelate
and dust with flowers of sulphur. As soon as stem rot is noticed, the affected
parts should immediately be cut away and destroyed. Because of the many diseases to
which succulent Apocynaceae (including Stapelia ) are prone, they are some of the
mo difficult succulents to grow. Species Stapelia gigantea is a very variable
species with the largest flowers the genus ranging from 100-400 mm in diameter. It
is the most wide north-south distributed species and occurs in Zambia, Malawi,
Mozambique, Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. It grows in ma habitats and may
form clumps of 1-2 m in diameter. See more info below Stapelia grandiflora is
probably one of the best recorded of all S. African stapeliads. It is widely but
scantly distributed over the Great Karoo, Free State and southwards to Port
Elizabeth, but occurs main in the Eastern Cape. This is one of the species with the
most robust stems and may reach a height of 300 mm, with compressed angles and
prominent teeth. Flower buds are typically rounded where the segments meet; the
flowers are up to 150 mm in diameter, dark purp brown, usually darker towards the
tips of the segments, with long purple hairs on the disc. The lower part of the
lobes is ciliate with lo simple, white hairs. It is distinguished from S. gigantea
on account o distribution and the shape of the bud. It is also closely allied to S.
hirsuta. Stapelia gettliffei is native to the warmer, dry, sandy parts of the
Limpopo River catchments in southeastern Botswana, th northern parts of South
Africa, southern Zimbabwe, and just over the border into Mozambique to the east. It
usually grow in low-lying areas in shaded situations, often with other stapelias of
the same localities. See more info below Stapelia gettliffei plants usually sprawl
in the shade of bushes and in the open are more erect and tightly knit. Tubercles
are tipped with long, narrow leaf rudiments, the largest in the genus. The stems
turn red in the dry season and become paper-thin. The flowers have lon pedicels
facing upwards, with the corolla marked in purple lines on cream-coloured
background, and the margins and central section have hairs. Flowering occurs from
December-May. The specific epit honours George Frederick Rawson Gettliffe (1873-
1948), who collect extensively in remote areas of the northern parts of South
Africa. Th Venda name for the species is mahushule. Stapelia kwebensis is the most
widely distributed in an east-west direction, from Kaokoveld (northern Namibia,
southern Angola ) through the Kalahari in Botswana, eastwards in the northernmost
pa of South Africa, and in Zimbabwe. Plants usually grow in flat, rocky areas, in
the open or below bushes. The stems are bright green, sh toothed with erect,
prominent rudimentary leaves. Natural hybrids appear infrequently. Flowers are
small, carried on short pedicels ne the apex or in the middle of the stem and vary
in coloration from yellow-ish to green to brown or dark red. Plants produce their
evilsmelling flowers from December to May. The stems are slender and pale green,
with the area between the ribs darker. The first plants were discovered on the
Kwebe Hills (south of Lake Ngami ) in north Botswana, hence the specific epithet.
It is difficult to cultivate under humid and wet summer rainfall conditions.
Stapelia olivacea is a South African endemic and grows amongst stones and boulders
in mountainous areas of the Great Karoo (north central Karoo and southwestern Free
State). Despite its wide range, is locally very rare and does not appear to be
common anywhere today. See more info below . Stapelia olivacea flowers are small,
almost flat, with white hairs alon the margins. The colour is very variable.
Apparently darker maroonred flowers usually emit a strong, offensive odour of
excrement, but the greenish flowers have a mushroom-like smell that is more
pleasant. The stems are greyish along the flanks, with the grooves i between a
darker green, sometimes purplish. The stems form attractive, neat clumps about 100
mm high. The epithet refers to the olive-green colour used in the first painting of
this species. Stapelia rufa is endemic to South Africa, with populations widely
scattered between Upington, Oudtshoorn, Montagu and Ladismith. usually grows on
stony, north-facing slopes, and like many stapeliad in the protection of bushes.
Plants bear small flowers, usually towar the base. The flowers are reddish to
brown, the segments of the corolla narrowing into long slender points. The stems
are 4-angled somewhat round in cross section and without grooves between the flanks
of the stem. This species flowers in spring. Stapelia engleriana is a South African
endemic, widely distributed in the drier areas of the southwestern Karoo between
Laingsburg, Beaufort West and Prince Albert. If these stapelias are sheltered by
other plants, they can become up to 300 mm tall. The characteristic thick, square,
prostrate to rhizomatous stems are easily identifiable. The lobes of the flowers
are folded back completely, giving the flowers a round, button-shaped appearance.
The flowers are purple brown to red-maroon, about 25 mm in diameter and sometimes
last for more than a week. It is generally a less attractive plant with an untidy
habit due to new growth starting from points where the stem has been damaged or
broken. Stapelia flavopurpurea is not a common species but is widely distributed in
both Namibia and South Africa (western Karoo to the Northern Cape). Plants grow
amongst stones at the base of other shrubs. The short, uniformly green stems are 4-
angled and up to 10 mm tall. The star-like flowers of this striking species are
deeply lobe and the margins are folded backwards, with a central disc covered
short, clavate, purple to white hairs. Flowers are borne (sometimes i clusters)
near the tips of the stems and have been reported to be pleasantly scented. It
superficially resembles the flowers of Tridente virescens, the only other stapeliad
that exhibits such extravagant an exotic coloration. The flowers are usually bright
yellow, but various shades from yellow, green, red to brown have been reported.
Although the flowers are smaller than those of most other species i the genus, they
are very beautiful and lack the unpleasant smell so characteristic of most members
of this genus. Stapelia unicornis is confined to the southern parts of the Lebombo
Mountains in South Africa (Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal), Mozambique and Swaziland.
Plants grow on shallow soils, ledges a rocky outcrops. The pale green stems form
stout clumps, rarely high than 100 mm. The flowers are pale green-pinkish and about
100 mm diameter. The centre of the flower is almost bowl-shaped. A species closely
related to S. gigantea, but with smaller flowers that are decisively bowl-shaped
and with different inner corona lobes. Plant are relatively easily cultivated.
Stapelia leendertziae is most conspicuous when in flower owing to the unique large,
bell-shaped, deep reddish to dark purple flowers that are up to 120 mm long. It is
widely grown in gardens but distinctly uncommon in the wild. It occurs on the
mountains of the northeastern escarpment and Swaziland wher seems to be confined to
rocky ground with shallow soils. See more info below. Stapelia leendertziae stems
are darker and dull green compared to those of S. gigantea and S. unicornis.
Flowers are produced at the base or in the lower half from new branches. This
species was name after Miss Reino Leendertz, the first official botanist employed
at the Transvaal Museum and who was the first to collect this species nea
Heidelberg in 1909. Flowering time is November-January. It is readi cultivated and
can withstand a fair degree of frost. Known as aaskel aasklok or rooiaasblom
(Afr.). Stapelia clavicorona is an endemic restricted to the northern slopes the
Soutpansberg in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Plants grow on hot, stony
slopes and consist of a few, robust stems (by far the most robust stems in the
genus) that are deeply indented betwe the angles. Stems are olive-green and turn
reddish in the dry seaso Older stems become corky and white. Flowers are relatively
small (5 mm in diameter). The pale pinkish green flowers are textured with club-
shaped hairs along the margins of the corolla. Propagation from cuttings and seed
is relatively easy. Plants flower from October- December. It was first collected in
1931 and the specific epithet refe to the club-shaped (clavate) corona lobes.
Stapelia schinzii is found in Namibia and southern Angola. Three varieties are
recognised, the typical one only occurring Namibia. The plants are large and
robust, and sometimes spread for up to 1 m, stems arising from a short horizontal
base The stems are mostly purple-mottled and up to 60 mm tall. Compared to the
stems, the dark red to maroon flowers are relatively large (up to 120 mm in
diameter). They have elongate corolla lobes, fringed with vibratile, purple, club-
shaped hairs. This is the species with the largest flowers in Namibia and is
closely related to the threatened S. pillansii. References Albers, F. & Meve, U.
2002. Illustrated handbook of succulent plants. Asclepiadaceae. Springer Verlag,
Berlin. Armstrong, W.P. 1997. Stinking flowers.
http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ww0602.htm Bruyns, P.V. 2005. Stapeliads of southern
Africa and Madagascar, vol. 1. Umdaus Press, Hatfield, Pretoria. Court, D. 2000.
Succulent flora of southern Africa, revised edn. Balkema, Rotterdam. Hardy, D. &
Fabian, A. 1992. Succulents of the Transvaal. Southern Book Publishers,
Halfway House, South Africa. Leach, L.C. 1985. A revision of Stapelia L.
(Asclepiadaceae). Excelsa Taxonomic Series, No. 3. Aloe, Cactus and Succulent
Society, Zimbabwe. Leistner, O.A. (ed.) 2000. Seeds plants of southern Africa :
families and genera. Strelitzia 10. National Botanical Institut Pretoria. Leistner,
O.A. 2005. Seed plants of southern tropical Africa : families and genera. South
African Botanical Diversity Network Report No. 26. SABONET, Pretoria. Oliver, I.B.
1998. Grow succulents. Kirstenbosch Gardening Series. National Botanical Institute,
Cape Town. Smith, C.A. 1966. Common names of South African plants. Memoirs of the
Botanical Survey of South Africa No. 35. Van Wyk, B-E. & Gericke, N. 2000. People's
plants: a guide to useful plants of southern Africa. Briza Publications, Pretoria.
S.P. Bester National Herbarium November 2006 Stapelia hirsuta is widely distributed
and extremely variable, with fiv varieties recognised by Bruyns (2005). It is found
in Namaqualand a the Eastern Cape ( South Africa ) and in southern Namibia, seeming
restricted to the mainly winter rainfall areas. It is closely related to S
grandiflora. The stems are up to 200 mm high, with flowers 100-200 mm across. The
flowers are cream-coloured, purple at the centre, w purplish transverse lines on
the lobes which have purple-brown tips The corona, flower size, proportions of the
corolla, density and textu of hairs, and details of patterning and colour, all vary
within wide lim This was the second species to be discovered and is locally known
haasoor (Afr.). Plant Attributes: Plant Type: Succulent SA Distribution: Soil type:
Flowering season: PH: Flower colour: Aspect: Gardening skill: Special Features:
Horticultural zones Rate this article Article well written and informative Average:
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User Comments dmallochbrown@york.co.za , South Africa March 05, 2019 at 9:41 AM
Very informative, thanks you! Is there any information or pictures for
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