Definition

Noun: 1. A type of flowering plant: Any of various succulent plants belonging to the genus Stapelia, characterized by leafless, toothed, cactus-like stems and large flowers that emit a strong odor resembling rotting flesh to attract pollinating insects.

Usage

The term "carrion flower" is used as a common name for a specific group of plants. It functions as a countable noun. - Botanists study the unique pollination strategy of the carrion flower. - The greenhouse has a collection of several different carrion flowers.

Examples

• The carrion flower in the desert garden has begun to bloom, and its scent is unmistakable.
• We saw a fascinating carrion flower with a star-shaped, maroon bloom.
• Carrion flowers are often cultivated by succulent enthusiasts despite their odor.

Advanced Usage

• The name "carrion flower" is descriptive and directly references the flower's primary adaptation: its smell mimics carrion (dead and decaying flesh) to attract specific flies for pollination.

Variants and Related Words

• Stapelia (n): The botanical genus name for these plants. Often used more formally.
  • The plant is a Stapelia gigantea, a particularly large species of carrion flower.
• Starfish flower (n): Another common name for some species in this genus, referring to the star-like shape of the blooms.

Synonyms

• Stapelia (when used as a common name)
• Starfish flower
• Carrion plant (a less common variant)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "carrion flower" is specific to botany and refers almost exclusively to plants of the genus . It should not be confused with other foul-smelling plants, such as the corpse flower (), which is a different species.

Noun

1. any of various plants of the genus Stapelia having succulent leafless toothed stems resembling cacti and large foul-smelling (often star-shaped) flowers