Stapelia kwebensis
Stapelia kwebensis
Safety & Hazards
None known
Cultivation Details
A plant of arid areas in the tropics and subtropics, requiring a period of the year with no rainfall. It is difficult to grow under humid and wet summer rainfall conditions[1]. Grows best in a sunny position, but also succeeds in light shade in hot climates[1]. Requires a well-drained soil, preferably on the light side[1]. Prefers a pH in the range 6.5 - 7.5[1]. Generally the plants grow reasonably fast and will flower within 2 - 3 years when grown from seed[1]. The plant often forms large colonies in the wild[2]. The flowers are foul-smelling, with an aroma reminiscent of the odour of rotting meat[1].
Propagation
Seed - takes about a year to ripen, but germinates rapidly after sowing. Fresh seed usually germinates better[1]. Sow the seed in a container 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 seedlings well ventilated and in good light to prevent damping off. Once the seedlings are about 50mm high, they can be pricked out and planted (be careful not to damage the roots when pricking out!)[1]. Cuttings should be taken during the active growing stage to ensure good rooting, before the plants enter their dormant phase. Plants 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, then place them in a well-ventilated area with about 40% shade. Water daily during very hot weather[1]. Plants that do not grow well from cuttings can also be propagated by grafting[1]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Stapelia+kwebensis>
Pollinators
Insects
References
- [1]PlantZAfrica.com — http://www.plantzafrica.com ↩︎An excellent site giving detailed descriptions and uses of many S. African plants.
- [2]Gemsbok Bean and Kalahari Truffle — Leffers A. · Gamsberg MacMillan; Namibia. · 2003 · ISBN 99916-0-491-X ↩︎Details of the traditional uses of over 200 species of plants in northeastern Namibia. Written for the non-expert, there is usually at least one photograph with each plant entry.
- [3]Flora of Tropical Africa Vol 1 - 8 — Var · L.Reeve & Co.; Ashford, Kent. · 1868 - 1917 · http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org ↩︎Very little information on habitat, range and uses, but gives good descriptions of the plants. It can be downloaded from the internet.