Orbea variegata, Starfish Flower or Carrion Plant is a quick-growing succulent member of the Apocynaceae from South Africa. It has stout stems to 10cm and characteristic prominent tubercles. The stems often turn pink in full sun. It is quite cold-tolerant but cannot be considered hardy in the UK and needs to be brought indoors to overwinter in dry conditions. Needless to say, it needs an exceptionally well-drained substrate to which plenty of grit and perlite (or pumice) has been added.

Orbea variegata has spectacular flowers that are mottled maroon and pale yellow. The tips of the petals tend to reflex backwards after a day or two of being open. It has an odour of carrion and is perfectly adapted for attracting its pollinators of choice! Place it next to your carnivourous plants when it is flowering!