Persian Carpet Flower
Edithcolea grandis, commonly known as the Persian Carpet Flower, is a rare and exotic succulent native to arid regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Renowned for its stunning, intricately patterned flowers that resemble an ornate Persian carpet, this plant captivates succulent enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Its unique appearance and striking blooms make it a centerpiece in succulent gardens and indoor collections.
Belonging to the Apocynaceae family, Edithcolea grandis shares its lineage with other fascinating succulents, such as the starfish flower (Stapelia grandiflora) or carrion flower (Orbea variegata). Its distinct floral structure and ecological adaptations highlight the extraordinary diversity of desert plants.
The Persian Carpet Flower is a succulent perennial with a sprawling, low-growing habit. Its leafless stems are soft, green, and heavily adorned with angular ridges, giving the plant an almost geometric appearance. These stems serve as the primary photosynthetic organs, allowing the plant to thrive in its arid environment.
The show-stopping feature of Edithcolea grandis is its flower. The blooms are large, up to 4–5 inches (10–12 cm) in diameter, with a flat, star-shaped structure. The petals are intricately patterned in shades of yellow, red, and brown, resembling the rich designs of a Persian carpet. The flowers also emit a faint odor to attract pollinators like flies, mimicking the scent of decaying organic matter. This adaptation ensures successful pollination in its natural habitat.
Blooming typically occurs in the warm months, and under optimal conditions, the plant can produce multiple flowers over the growing season.
Edithcolea grandis is native to the arid regions of East Africa, including Somalia, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, as well as the Arabian Peninsula. It thrives in rocky, well-drained soils and open, sunlit areas where it endures extreme heat and drought. Its native habitat is characterized by sparse vegetation and minimal rainfall, requiring the plant to develop efficient water-storage and heat-dissipation mechanisms.
Edithcolea grandis is a succulent perennial with a prostrate, sprawling growth habit. It forms dense mats of stems, which spread horizontally and occasionally trail over the edges of containers or rocky outcrops. The stems, which are soft and angular, are highly drought-tolerant, storing water to sustain the plant during prolonged dry periods.
This succulent typically grows to a height of 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) and can spread up to 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) in width. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for small spaces, rock gardens, or containers.
The flowers are its defining feature. Measuring up to 5 inches (12 cm) in diameter, they are flat, star-shaped, and covered in intricate patterns of yellow, red, and maroon. The center of the flower often features a raised, circular disk, adding to its ornate appearance. Discover unique flowers for a stunning and unforgettable garden
The plant emits a faint carrion-like odor to attract flies, which serve as its primary pollinators. This strategy is common among plants in the Apocynaceae family, allowing them to reproduce successfully in their arid habitats where traditional pollinators are scarce.
Edithcolea grandis lacks true leaves, relying instead on its photosynthetic stems for survival. The stems are soft, angular, and pale green, with prominent ridges that may develop purplish hues under intense sunlight or stress. These stems grow in a prostrate fashion, forming a dense, sprawling mat that serves as the plant’s primary structure.
Edithcolea grandis thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 10–11. It tolerates heat but is highly sensitive to cold and frost, requiring temperatures above 70°F (20°C) for optimal growth. In regions with cooler climates, it is best grown indoors or in greenhouses.
Ornamental Uses:
Ecological Uses:
The flowers are adapted to attract flies, which are its primary pollinators. The faint carrion-like odor emitted by the flowers mimics decaying organic material, drawing flies to the blooms. This relationship underscores the plant’s ecological role in its arid habitat.
This succulent plant is highly drought-tolerant, thriving in arid climates with minimal water. Its succulent stems store moisture, allowing it to endure prolonged dry periods when grown in well-draining soil.
There is limited evidence regarding the toxicity of Edithcolea grandis. While it is not considered highly toxic, handling the plant with care is advised, especially when pruning or propagating, as its sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It is always best to keep the plant out of reach of pets and children.
Edithcolea grandis is not considered invasive. Its specific growing requirements, such as high temperatures, well-draining soils, and low humidity, limit its ability to spread aggressively outside its native range or cultivated settings.
Edithcolea grandis thrives in full sun to bright, indirect light. In regions with intense sunlight, some afternoon shade can prevent scorching.
Plant in a well-draining, sandy soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend. Adding coarse sand or perlite improves drainage, which is essential for preventing root rot.
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering during the plant’s dormant period in winter.
Apply a diluted cactus fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid fertilizing in winter when the plant is dormant.
Remove dead or damaged stems to maintain the plant’s appearance. Use sterilized tools to prevent infections.
In colder climates, grow Edithcolea grandis indoors or in a greenhouse during winter. Maintain warm temperatures (minimum 60°F or 15°C) and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Yes, Edithcolea grandis is considered rare in cultivation due to its specific growing requirements and limited native range.
The Persian Carpet Flower typically blooms in summer, producing its stunning, star-shaped flowers.
Yes, it can be grown indoors if provided with bright light, well-draining soil, and low humidity.
This plant requires minimal care when grown in suitable conditions. Its primary needs are bright light, well-draining soil, and infrequent watering.
No, it is a succulent, not a cactus. While both store water, Edithcolea grandis belongs to the Apocynaceae family, unlike true cacti, which belong to the Cactaceae family.
The Persian Carpet Flower (Edithcolea grandis) emits a carrion-like odor, resembling decaying flesh. This pungent smell is an adaptation to attract flies, which act as pollinators for the plant.
| Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
| Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Garden Uses | Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
| Hardiness |
10 - 11 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Cactus & Succulents |
| Plant Family | Apocynaceae |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height | 4" - 6" (10cm - 15cm) |
| Spread | 1' - 2' (30cm - 60cm) |
| Spacing | 12" - 18" (30cm - 50cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Drought |
| Garden Uses | Hanging Baskets, Patio And Containers |
| Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden |
How many Edithcolea grandis (Persian Carpet Flower) do I need for my garden?
| Plant | Quantity | |
|---|---|---|
| Edithcolea grandis (Persian Carpet Flower) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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