Stapelia leendertziae

Uniquely weird among a group of uniquely weird plants is how I would describe this dark and exotic succulent. The large pendulous blooms of Black Bells Carrion Flower aren’t actually black but deep burgundy. They are vastly different than the flowers of other Stapeliads because the petals are fused at the base, forming sort of a cup. The petal tips look something akin to tentacles, making the whole thing appear somewhat animal-like. Grow it in a container that gets lots of sun and low water and then bring it inside for winter. The blooms of this exquisite South African gem are aptly scented to lure its pollinator of choice, the fly.