Citation: L., Sp. Pl. 217 (1753).

Synonymy: Orbea variegata (L.)Haw., Syn. Pl. Succ. 40 (1812).

Common name: Carrion flower.

Description:
Stems glabrous, with erect branches to 15 cm high and c. 1 cm broad.

Flowers 1-5, from the base of young stems, star-shaped; peduncle erect, 3-5 cm long; sepals pale-green, ovate-lanceolate, veined, 5-8 mm long; buds inflated, subglobose; flowers 5-8 cm diam., lobes ovate-cordate, margins papillose, upper surface rugose, base colour a dark purple-brown, ridges pale-yellow, lower surface glabrous; outer coronal lobes 3-toothed, inner coronal lobes oblong, deeply cleft.

Published illustration: White & Sloane (1937) The Stapelieae 3:figs 672-708, pl. 17.

Distribution:    Native to South Africa. Conservation status: naturalised Flowering time: late summer — autumn.

SA Distribution Map based on current data relating to specimens held in the State Herbarium of South Australia

Biology: No text

Author: Not yet available