This is a spreading succulent milkweed that usually reaches about a foot tall and spreads almost indefinitely—the decumbent stems root where they touch the soil. The stems are olive green and somewhat fuzzy. Usually throughout the late summer or into the fall, spectacular, hairy, burgundy flowers emerge. They smell like something dead, which is a trait that evolved attracting flies (the pollinator for this species). This is why it is sometimes called “carrion plant” though other plants are called this. Follicles (slender pods) follow the flowers if fertilized which yield seeds embedded in floof.

Plant in part sun, with good drainage. Water in summer to encourage growth, keep drier in winter. Protect from frost. Plants can be grown in pots but will need to be repotted and divided occasionally as they spread and jump out of the pots.

The genus was named Stapelia in 1753 by Linnaeus in his Species Plantarum, named for Jan Bode von Stapel (1602-1636), Dutch botanist. The species, grandiflora, from Latin grandis = 'large' and flora = 'flower', referring to having large flowers.

Stapelia grandiflora is widely distributed in xeric areas of South Africa.

Stapelia grandiflora on iNaturalist