Stinky Plants

In the Garden > Flowering Plants & Shrubs

Flies are often thought of as insects that are a nuisance and carry diseases. Some flies also play an important role in the pollination of certain plants. Densey Clyne looked at the confidence tricks which some plants play on unsuspecting flies.

Carrion flower (Stapelia nobilis) - is a deep blood-maroon coloured flower which exudes a fly-attracting odour of rotting meat. The carrion flies come into the flower to feed and lay their eggs into what they believe is rotting flesh. The eggs will hatch and die but the flower has achieved its aim as the flies leave with pollen on their legs and bodies to pollinate other stapelias.
Star fungus (Aseroë rubra) - looks like a puff ball but opens like a flower to reveal the carrion scent. This is very attractive to flies, which carry away the spores on their legs and bodies thereby spreading the colony.
Crinoline fungus (Dictyophora indusiata) - is actually one of the prettiest fungi but is a smelly one. It also attracts flies and Densey recommends admiring this one from afar.
Sundew (Drosera peltata) - a carnivorous plant which supplements its diet with insects, mostly small flies. These are attracted by a faint scent and become stuck onto the 'dewy drops' which are digestive fluid and are very adhesive. The tentacles wrap around the catch and secrete the enzyme which breaks down all but the insect's shell.

Availability

Fungus are naturally occurring in the soil and are not usually sold at nurseries. Stapelia and sundews may also be difficult to find at your local nursery so contact one of the specialist cactus nurseries. Several varieties of stapelia are available at Collectors Corner, Gardenworld and range in price from $3.95 depending on the type of plant and plant size.

Collectors Corner, Gardenworld, 810 Springvale Road, Keysborough, Vic. 3173. Phone: (03) 9798 5845. Fax: (03) 9706 3339. Open 7 days per week from 9am-5pm. A mail-order service is available.

Sundew are available at nurseries which stock carnivorous plants. A 2.5cm (1") pot costs around $6.