Monday, October 1, 2012

The Big Stink

Stapelia hirsuta 


It's the time of year when temperatures cool and getting to spend time on the patio is again possible. It's also time for my 'S. hirsuta' to bloom. So far, it's had about eight flowers on it, but this one is the largest one to date. And it stinks! So much for enjoying my patio. The smell attracts flies and other insects that feast on carrion, and they then act as pollinators. As you can see, a fly has burrowed in the flower and is doing what it is supposed to do. I don't move the plant off the patio. I weigh the smell against being able to see the interesting flower, and the flower wins!