Stapelia
Stapelia kwebensis
Family: Apocynaceae
What it is like
A succulent herb which keeps growing from year to year. It does not have leaves. It forms compact clumps 5-50 cm across. It grows 15 cm high. The stems can be 20 cm long by 1-2 cm thick. The flowers are hairy and there are 1-3 flowering stalks per stem with 1-6 flowers each. The flowers are 2-5 cm across. The flowers vary in colour from purple to green or red or brown.
There are about 50 Stapelia species.
Where it is found
A subtropical plant. They grow in dry arid locations. It suits semiarid tropical and subtropical regions. It can grow in areas with a dry season of 6-11 months. It is often on soils from limestone rock. In southern Africa it grows between 600-1,900 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa
How it is used for food
The stem is eaten raw. It is also roasted in the ashes. The roots are used in vegetable dishes. They are also roasted in the ashes.
Edible parts
Leaves, stems, root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by division.
Its other names
Local names
Da:daba