The Orbea Variegata is blooming at my neighbor’s house. Of course, that’s not what he told me. He told me his “Star Flower” was blooming. That is one of the common names for this succulent plant with very large star-fish looking flowers. Another common name is “Carrion Flower.” It gets that name because the flower smells like rotting flesh, which is why flies, not bees and butterflies, are the insects that pollinate it. You can see that above. Apparently, this plant originates in South Africa, but it is perfectly built for our exceedingly dry climate here in Southern California.

Jeff Turner

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