Mystery Succulent Blooms: Identifying a Stapeliad (Carrion Flower)

Bonnie in Florida found alien-like bulbs on a plant she'd bought at a charity sale. One bloomed into a giant, starfish-shaped flower with light pink petals and dark red wavy lines.

Identification

The expert recognized this as a Stapeliad—a group of African succulents in the Apocynaceae family, often called carrion flowers because some emit a rotting-meat scent to attract fly pollinators.

Next Steps

• Browse Cactus Mall's Stapeliad page for species comparisons.
• Note: not all Stapeliads smell bad; many have pleasantly scented or odorless blooms.
• Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and minimal water in winter.

These fascinating succulents are easy to grow and make spectacular conversation pieces when in bloom.