Common name: Carrion Flower
Orbea variegata (L.) Haw. APNI* Synonyms: Stapelia variegata L. APNI*
Description: Succulent perennial herb; stems glabrous, with erect branches to 15 cm high and c. 1.5 cm diam..
Flowers star-shaped with 5 lobes, 5–8 cm diam., pale-yellow with dark brown markings; peduncle borne from the base of young stems, erect, 3–5 cm long; calyx green, ovate-lanceolate, 5–8 mm long; corolla lobes ovate-cordate, 20–25 mm long, adaxial surface rugose; annular corona 20–26 mm diam.; staminal corona lobes incurved over staminal column; interstaminal corona lobes oblong, biloded, 5–6 mm long.
Follicles narrow, fusiform, 6–12 cm long. Seeds numerous, coma long and silky.
Flowering: Late summer – autumn.
Distribution and occurrence: Horticultural ornamental; naturalised around Pilliga and Peak Hill. Also becoming naturalised in Qld and SA. Native to South Africa.
NSW subdivisions: *CWS, *NWP
Other Australian states: *Qld *S.A. *W.A.
Text by A. J. Perkins
Taxon concept: Flora of Australia, Volume 28
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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