Stapelia `Starfish` Cactus

The Starfish of the Desert

The Stapelia cactus, also known as the Carrion Flower or Starfish Cactus, is a fascinating and unique succulent famed for its star-shaped flowers and unusual beauty. This plant’s crazy-looking flowers, often resembling starfish, can grow up to 12 inches across, making it a striking addition to any collection. While beautiful, the flowers are notorious for their carrion-like smell.

 The Stapelia has thick, green, cactus-like stems with small, soft hairs along the edges. These stems grow in a clumping fashion as low-growing succulent.