Carrion Flower

Description:

Stapelia gigantea is an interesting plant that resembles cactus, with clumps of 4-sided spineless stems. Carrion flowers are native to S. Africa. Blooming Time: September. Flowers are large, fleshy, shaped as 5-pointed stars; they have an elaborate circular fleshy disk in the center. The flowers smell like carrion and are not offensive if blooming outside. Flowers are 10-16 inches across.

Habitat:

Potted plant.

Notes:

The flowers do smell like spoiled meat when you get close to them, though if the plants are outside, it's not so noticeable. It did seem to attract ants and flies.