Brachystelma

Morphological Summary

Genus of geophytes and small succulents in the family Apocynaceae, subfamily Asclepiadoideae, with about 100 species native mainly to southern and eastern Africa, with a few in India and Australia. They develop a subterranean tuber or caudex from which thin annual stems emerge bearing structurally complex flowers that are often fetid to attract insect pollinators. They are seasonal plants that disappear completely in the dry season.