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

The extremely large, starfish-shaped flowers of Stapelia gigantea are pale yellow with reddish stripes. The flowers give off a pestilent smell that attracts flies. As they buzz from flower to flower, flies collect pollen and transport it to the next plant, thereby ensuring the successful pollination of this species. The flowers putrid smell and hairy, leathery texture mimic the rotting flesh of a dead animal.