I love my plants and I am an avid collector of SA succulents. We have such a nice variety and I cant stand the cactus hype! Cactus are cool but Indigenous rule!
My favorite are Stapeliads (Carrion Flowers) belonging to the milkweed family (Asclepiadacae). They are strange and exotic looking and have evolved an interesting way of attracting pollinators.
Please note these plants have no common names and are generally referred to as "Carrion Flowers"
Most have nasty smells to attract flies which are pollinators for this group. The scents range from dead flesh and faeces to old parmesan cheese. Some dont have a smell but have fine hairs on the petals that tremble even in the slightest breeze. They are supposed to resemle maggots and attract flies.
This is especially common in the Caralluma genus.
Here is Caralluma rogersii from the bushveld.
Note the fine black hairs on the petal edges. Very feint smell.
Next is Stapelia leendertzia from Northern Natal and TVL.
It smells like rotting flesh.
Here is a Stapelia gettleffii from the hot lowveld regions of SA. Majestic!
Not too much of a smell - I think the hair and color are the main attractor for pollinators.
This is Orbea variegata from the cape peninsula.
Here is Stapelia grandiflora. An appropriate name I think! Spot the fly.
And my favorite from the TVL and northern Natal. Huernia zebrina magniflora.
I have several other species and will post pictures when they flower.
Thanks for looking.