The Hydnora africana is Leon Kluge’s latest plant celebration, and it has South Africans really fascinated!
South Africa (08 June 2026) – Leon Kluge isn’t taking a break from all the great plant things happening in South Africa. Fresh off a win at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Leon is already back in the field, finding rare and beautiful plants.
Much like his fun find last year, where he showcased the Palm Nut, the Hydnora africana is one of those rare and fascinating finds that we can be proud to call local.
The Hydnora africana is a parasitic plant that is found in the dry parts of South Africa. It is also known as the jakkalskos or “jackal food”, this likely because of its awful stench, which it uses to lure in pollinators. And I say lure because it’s not a rose attracting pretty butterflies, it smells of rotting meat and faeces, attracting dung beetles and carrion beetles. Then, when they climb into the plant, it traps them to ensure the pollen is collected… Then it lets them go.
It may sound (and smell) a little gory, but the plant is a fascinating one.
“Hydnora africana is a strange-looking parasitic plant found in the drier regions of South Africa. Its root like structures called (Haustoria) attach to the roots of Euphorbia species for food and moisture. Despite being fairly widespread, they are rarely seen; the only time they appear above ground is when they produce their alien-looking flowers after heavy rain. The flowers have a foul odour that attracts their pollinators, who are carrion beetles and flies. Truly one of the world’s strangest plants!”
Take a look at Leon’s take on the plant.
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