Stapelias are strange succulent plants native to the deserts of South Africa.

Known globally as African starfish flowers or locally as carrion flowers, members of the genus Stapelia are usually characterized by their foul-smelling flowers reminiscent of the odour of rotting meat. The hairs, coloration and surface mimic decaying animal matter and attract mostly flies, which act as pollinators. The strong carrion scent is sometimes recognizable at a great distance, especially on hot afternoons. Surprisingly, species such as S. erectiflora and S. flavopurpurea have sweetly scented flowers, but they are rare. Stapelia hirsuta var. baylissii is found in the Eastern Cape of South Africa and is restricted to a small area near the coast. It is closely related to Stapelia grandiflora. The stems are up to 20cm high, with flowers 10-20cm across. The flowers are cream-coloured, purple at the centre, with purplish transverse lines on the lobes which have purple-brown tips. The corona, flower size, proportions of the corolla, density and texture of hairs and details of patterning and colour, all vary within wide limits.