This clump forming succulent has upright fleshy 4-angled stems that are up to 30mm (1in) thick with teeth along the margins. The large foul smelling star-shaped flowers are yellowish with red centres and appear in summer and are a feature of the plant.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Stapelia gigantea is naturally found in Southern Africa growing on hill sides in well drained, gritty light soils in an open sunny position and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

The Carrion Flower is a low growing succulent that is used as a small groundcover or container plant. It is also planted in rockeries or planted along front garden borders. It establishes from division in 1 to 2 years and can spread indefinitely. In cool climates it is used as a house plant or glasshouse specimen. ID 1311

Stapelia(sta-PEL-ee-ah) gigantea(jy-gan-tee-ah)

Asclepiadaceae (ass-kle-pee-ad-AY-see-ee)