Orbea semota var. lutea: The Yellow Starfish Flower
 
The Orbea Semota v. Lutea is a succulent plant known for its striking, star-shaped, vibrant yellow flowers. It's a variety of Orbea semota, distinguished primarily by its yellow flower coloration. These flowers, while beautiful, emit a carrion-like scent to attract fly pollinators. The plant has a sprawling, mat-forming growth habit with fleshy, toothed stems. It's native to areas in East Africa, particularly near Nairobi, Kenya.
 
Appearance:
It's a much-branched, mat-forming succulent with fleshy, toothed stems that can reach up to 4 inches tall. 
The stems are pale yellowish-green. 
It produces large, star-shaped flowers that are typically a vibrant yellow. 
These flowers are fringed with simple hairs. 
Scent:
The flowers emit a distinctive odor that resembles carrion, attracting pollinators like flies. 
Growth Habit:
It has a sprawling, mat-forming growth habit. 
Blooming Season:
Summer-autumn. 
Distribution:
Found near Nairobi in Kenya. 
Care Tips:
Light: Provide bright, indirect light or partial shade. 
Water: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as it is highly drought-tolerant. 
Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. 
Fertilizing: Fertilize sparingly during the growing season. 
Repotting: Re-pot every 2 years. 
Propagation: Easiest with stem cuttings. 
Pest and diseases: Orbea species vary in their susceptibility to rotting, but are generally fairly easy to grow, especially if kept pest-free. 
 
 
* Picture and information intended only as a guide.  Size and colours of plants will vary, not any 1 plant is exactly the same and minor variations will occur.
 
** All plants will be posted bare rooted.