The Somali Flower (Edithcolea grandis) is a unique succulent known by common names like Persian Carpet Flower, Starfish Flower, and Carrion Flower. Its distinctive appearance and specific growing needs make it a fascinating addition for plant enthusiasts seeking an exotic touch.
Appearance and Distinguishing Features
The Somali Flower is a succulent perennial with a sprawling, low-growing habit, featuring leafless, richly branched stems. These stems are soft, green, and often display a grey-green to red coloration with brownish spots. They grow up to 12 inches long and 1.6 to 2 inches wide, adorned with angular ridges and sharp, spine-like teeth, giving them a geometric appearance.
The most captivating feature of Edithcolea grandis is its unique flower. The blooms are large, measuring between 3 to 5 inches in diameter, with a flat, star-shaped structure. Petals exhibit intricate patterns of yellow, maroon, red, and brown, resembling detailed designs of a Persian carpet. The flower’s inner disk is rugose with concentric ridges and features long, clavate purple hairs radiating from the center, enhancing its ornate appearance.
These remarkable flowers emit a distinctive, carrion-like odor, attracting flies and other insects that act as pollinators. Blooming occurs during warmer months, and a single plant can produce multiple flowers throughout the growing season.
Native Habitat and Adaptations
Edithcolea grandis is native to the arid regions of East Africa, including Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, as well as parts of the Arabian Peninsula, specifically Yemen. It thrives in dry, open, sunlit areas, often found in rocky, well-drained soils. The plant’s natural altitude range spans from 650 to 5000 feet above sea level.
These habitats are characterized by extreme heat, minimal rainfall, and sparse vegetation. To survive in such water-scarce environments, the Somali Flower has developed specific adaptations. Its succulent stems efficiently store water, allowing the plant to endure prolonged drought. The leafless stems minimize water loss through transpiration, a common adaptation among arid plants. Its ability to grow in full sun or partial shade provided by rocks and shrubs demonstrates resilience to harsh, dry climates.
Growing and Caring for Somali Flower
Cultivating Edithcolea grandis outside its native environment requires attention to its specific needs. This plant thrives in bright, direct sunlight, mimicking its desert origins. Indoors, a south or west-facing window is ideal, and supplemental grow lights can be used if natural light is insufficient. Outdoors, it benefits from at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily, though some afternoon shade can prevent scorching in extremely hot climates.
Exceptionally well-draining soil is important for the Somali Flower to prevent root rot. A gritty, fast-draining mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand, is necessary. Clay pots are beneficial as they promote faster drying between waterings.
Watering should be infrequent, allowing the soil to dry completely between applications. Overwatering is the primary cause of issues for this plant, particularly root rot. During the active growing season in spring and summer, watering every two to three weeks is sufficient, but the soil must be dry to the touch before rewatering. In fall and winter, during dormancy, watering should be significantly reduced, to about once a month or even less, keeping the plant drier during cooler temperatures.
The Somali Flower prefers warm temperatures, with an optimal range between 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is sensitive to cold and frost, requiring temperatures to remain above 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, especially during winter to avoid rot.
This plant prefers low humidity, so adequate ventilation is important, and it should be kept away from high-humidity areas. Propagation can be achieved through stem cuttings, which should be allowed to callous for a few days before planting in well-draining soil. Seeds can also be sown in a sandy, moist mix during spring. While generally low-maintenance, insufficient light can prevent flowering, and overwatering is the most common problem.