the flowers are five-lobed, usually somewhat more funnel- or bell-shaped than in the closely related genus "stapelia", and often striped vividly in contrasting colors or tones, some glossy, others matte and wrinkled depending on the species concerned. frequently the flowers are colored a variation of red, yellow or brown. to pollinate, the flowers attract flies by emitting a scent similar to that of carrion. the genus is considered close to the genera "stapelia" and "hoodia". phylogenetic studies have shown the genus to be monophyletic, and most closely related to the genus "tavaresia", and to a widespread branch of stapeliads comprising the genera "orbea", "piaranthus" and "stapelia".