[1] It is commonly referred to as the carrion plant, starfish flower, giant toad plant, or starfish cactus, although it is not related to cacti at all.

[3] This "carrion plant" nickname can also refer to similar Stapelia species as well as members of related genera, including Stapelia gigantea and Orbea variegata.

[4] The flowers are velvety and smaller in size than those of Stapelia gigantea, they come in various shapes and colors.

[4] Flowers are intermittently produced in the late summer and fall seasons.

[4] The name "carrion plant" is due to the odor emitted by the flowers as a technique of attracting flies in areas where other pollinating insects are scarce.