Zulu Giant

Stapelia gigantea

Native to:
Botswana, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Apocynaceae
Genus:
Stapelia
Species:
Stapelia gigantea
USDA Symbol:
STGI

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb
Height:
20 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
yellow, red, maroon

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
flies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions, avoid overwatering

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions (20-25°C). More commonly propagated by stem cuttings.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI