carrion flower
Quick Summary
The term "carrion flower" can refer to two distinct plants. One is an American catbrier, specifically Smilax herbacea, known for its flowers that emit a carrion-like odor. The other plant is from the genus Stapelia.1
Smilax is a genus of about 300 species of vines, commonly called catbriers or greenbriers, found in tropical and temperate regions worldwide. These plants often have prickly stems and leathery leaves with prominent veins. They produce separate male and female flowers, and their fruit is a berry. Smilax herbacea, also known as carrion flower, and Smilax rotundifolia are sometimes cultivated in eastern North America and can form dense thickets.2
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carrion flowerSmilax herbacea, a native American woodland vine, has malodorous flowers and is also called carrion flower. It is of the family Smilacaceae.
Read MoreSmilax herbacea, a native American woodland vine, has malodorous flowers and is also called carrion flower. It is of the family Smilacaceae.
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SmilaxCarrion flower (S. herbacea) and common catbrier (S. rotundifolia) of eastern North America are sometimes cultivated to form impenetrable thickets.
Read MoreCarrion flower (S. herbacea) and common catbrier (S. rotundifolia) of eastern North America are sometimes cultivated to form impenetrable thickets.
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