Stapeliads are one of the most interesting groups of succulents. The diversity in shape, colour, size and smell make them an enticing group to collect and grow. The genus Orbea, which is placed in the Apocynaceae family, has beautiful flowers and is one of the easier groups to grow successfully. Even sterile plants with their purple-blotchy stems against various shades of green backgrounds are very attractive. In a rockery, mats of the plants among exposed rocks give a good backdrop for other accent plants such as euphorbias and larger aloes. Apparently not used medicinally, Orbea is mainly of horticultural value and, like most stapeliads, the plants are greatly sought after by succulent collectors and are grown and exchanged world-wide.