“Stapelia” Genus

There are 44 species in this genus whose members are collectively known as the Carrion flower. It is endemic to South Africa and some other parts of Africa. Plants in this genus have thick, succulent and four sided grooved stems. They don’t have true leaves and photosynthesis occurs in the stem of the plant. They have spines and scales on the plants’ surface so that they look like Ephorbias. They produce latex when injured, and they, therefore, fall under the milkweed category.

Oddly shaped flowers characterize this genus. The flowers have different colors, but they have a generally similar shape. Each flower has a tubular appearance, but the petals divide at the opening. The petal creates six triangular points that bend backward to run along the petal.

Some people consider the appearance of some species’ flowers similar to that of rot. The unpleasant smell reinforces the rotting meat theory the flowers produce in an attempt to attract pollinators. This is why the most popular species in this genus are known as carrion flowers. They are good container plants that require direct sunlight and little care.

Stapelia Plants On Succulent City