Stapelia gigantea
Plant
suitable for use on Bio-Diverse Green Roofs in the Durban Area
Stapelia
gigantea
is one of a number
of plant
species which are presently being tested for their
suitability to be grown as Green Roof
plants in the Durban region that have initially shown good results.
They all
occur naturally within a radius of 50 km of the Durban
city centre
These
plants grow in full sun or partial shade in the dry portions of the Umgeni River Valley.
Growth
habit
A small spreading
upright growing stem succulent. They reproduce naturally by means of
seed.
Decorative
value
These
plants are grown more as a matter of interest than for their beauty
Drought
resistance
These
plants can survive long periods without water.
Disease
and pest resistance
They are
prone to many diseases, in particular rotting and attack by mealy bugs.
Suitability
as Green Roof plants
These
plants are valuable in plantings that are going to get the very minimum
of
water as well in combinations with other plants that do not have a
vigorous or
spreading nature
Biodiversity
value in the Green
Roof landscape
A number of
butterflies use these plants as their larval host plants such as the
African Monarch Danaus chrysippus
aegyptius . There flowers
attract
large numbers of flies.
Cautions and
precautions in the Green Roof
application
Care
must be taken to ensure good drainage is provided and that the plants
are at no time overwatered
Ecoman Durban Indigenous
Landscape Design Consultant
Bio-Diverse Indigenous Landscaping I design
landscapes and gardens that are Bio-Diverse as well as being pleasing
to the eye
Landscapes and Gardens that are Nature Friendly
I use my many years of landscape planning and design as well as
landscape construction experience coupled to my vast knowledge of the
requirements of nature to create habitat suitable for birds,
butterflies and other creatures to live and breed in.
I
always apply the basic principles of good landscape design to create an
aesthetically pleasing garden that at the same time satisfies the
living requirements of the target creatures that I would like to
attract. My speciality is to attract birds, butterflies and solitary
bees. I design and build Bio-Diverse Roof Gardens
So
let Ecoman design and create a garden for you that will
be a haven for wildlife such as birds, butterflies, frogs and lizards
in the number of species comparable to Kruger National
Park.
For all of your Green Roof requirements contact Michael Hickman
Specialist in Green Roof Technology at +27 82 061 2593 or email at
info@ecoman.co.za
