Stapelia leendertziae cristata

Stapelia leendertziae cristata is a cristate form of Stapelia leendertziae, a species known under the common names Carrion Flower, Maroon Cup Starfish, and Rugose Cup Starfish. The species epithet leendertziae honors the Dutch botanist Reino Leendertz, later Mrs. Pott (1869–1965). The natural range of Stapelia leendertziae lies in the mountainous areas of the northeastern escarpment of South Africa, from the Abel Erasmus Pass southwards to Barberton and Komatipoort, extending into Eswatini.

This succulent in cristate form produces fleshy, fan-shaped flattened stems that grow along the ground or hang gracefully over the edge of a pot. When grown in full sun, the stems develop a dull green to reddish coloration. Growth is slow, but over time the plant forms striking, sculptural crests.

The plant is most conspicuous when in flower, producing distinctive purplish-brown to dark violet blooms. The flowers are bell-shaped to urn-shaped, appear in late summer, and can reach up to about 8 cm in both length and diameter. Flowers are produced only on non-cristate shoots.

Stapelia leendertziae cristata does not require fertilizing and does not tolerate overwatering. With proper care, this crested form can develop into a large and impressive specimen, with fan-shaped stems elegantly cascading over the rim of the container.