Hydnora triceps is a holoparasitic flowering plant native to Africa that grows on the roots of Euphorbia dregeana.

[1] German botanist Johann Franz Drège described Hydnora triceps in 1830 after collecting it from the Northwestern Cape.

Additionally, since it is entirely dependent on Euphorbia dregeana, which also seems to be its exclusive host, it is only found in association with this plant.

About 10% of all the Euphorbia dregeana plants found in the regions where Hydnora triceps occurs were parasitized.

[1][3] Individuals of this species exhibit greatly reduced morphological characteristics, with no leaf structures.

[3] It has a dark brown color, and bright pink to red on the inside when alive.

[1] The body, with the exception of the dermal and conducting tissue, is made up of tannin-containing parenchymal cells.

Covering the entire body is a thick corky periderm, which seems to act as protection as it grows through the soil.

There is an osmophore, a scent producing structure, in the folds of each lobe which is heart shaped and white.