Family: Apocynaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Stapelia gigantea is a succulent plant native to southern tropical and southern Africa. It is best known for its striking, star-shaped flowers, which are among the largest in the succulent world. The blooms are often pale yellow to cream with reddish striping and are covered in fine hairs, giving them a unique texture. A notable feature of the flowers is their strong odor, which resembles decaying organic matter. This scent attracts flies, which serve as pollinators. The plant is commonly grown as an ornamental in arid and xeriscape gardens due to its drought tolerance, unusual flowers, and ease of propagation.
Risks & Threats
In Hawaiʻi, Stapelia gigantea is naturalized on several islands, including Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island, and is potentially naturalizing on Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Kahoʻolawe. While it is not currently considered a high-risk invasive species, it has the ability to persist and spread locally in dry, open habitats, especially where it escapes cultivation. Its succulent growth habit allows it to form small patches that can expand over time in suitable conditions. As with other hardy ornamental succulents, continued monitoring is recommended to ensure it does not become more widespread or displace native dryland vegetation. Careful use in landscaping, particularly near natural coastal and dry ecosystems, is encouraged.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized in Hawaii and New South Wales.
- Repeated introductions for ornamental use.
- Produces viable seed and reproduces vegetatively.
- Wind-dispersed and intentionally dispersed by people.
- Prolific seed production (>1000/m²).
- Tolerates light shade and disturbed areas.
Low Risk Traits:
- Not a recognized weed of gardens, agriculture, or the environment.
- No spines, thorns, or burrs.
- Not parasitic, toxic, or a fire hazard.
- Obligate outcrosser (not self-compatible).
- No persistent seed bank.
