african carrion flower …in flower

african carrion flower (orbea variegata) in bloom

in fall 2005 i received a shoot of the african carrion flower (orbea variegata). two weeks ago, it opened a flower for the very first time.

it naturally grows in southern africa – must be a happy omen. ;-)

it quickly became obvious why the succulent plant was named carrion flower (aasblume in german): the flower produces an intense smell of decay to attract blowflies (the pollinators for this species).
stinky, yet fascinating!

[view photos: african carrion flower]

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