From the harsh arid regions of South Africa and reaching to some areas of Southern Europe color inspiration can be found in the beauty of the Stapeliads. Resembling cacti, Stapeliads are most abundant in warm, dry climates. ” Their stems are often angular, mostly four-angled in cross-section, but in some species there are six or more, with some species of Hoodia having more than thirty angles. In size they vary from less than 2.5 cm/1″ in length to over 2 m/6″ tall. The leaves are in most species reduced to rudiments, sometimes hardened and thorn-like, arranged on bumps or tubercles on the angles.”

Below is a stunning set of images of Stapeliads taken by Martin Heigan, plus a few other random flowers as well.

The Many Kinds and Colors of Stapeliads

Orbea Speciosa
Photo by Martin Heigan

Tromotriche Longii
Photo by Martin Heigan

Cotyledon Orbiculata
Photo by Martin Heigan

Stapelia Hirsuta
Photo by Martin Heigan

Duvalia Corderoyi
Photo by Martin Heigan

Tridentea Gemmiflora
Photo by Martin Heigan

Stapelia Glanduliflora
Photo by Martin Heigan

Photo by Martin Heigan

Stapelia Gigantea X Stapelia Hirsuta Hybrid Flower
Photo by Martin Heigan

Stapelia Flavopurpurea
Photo by Martin Heigan

Stapelia Hirsuta
Photo by Martin Heigan

Duvalia Caespitosa
Photo by Martin Heigan

Huernia Procumbens
Photo by Martin Heigan

Huernia Clavigera X Huernia Pillansii Hybrid
Photo by Martin Heigan

A Few Other Colorful Flowers

Plumeria
Photo by malfalfa

Pastel Flowers
Photo by annia316

Passion Flower (aka Clock Flower)
Photo by hamed

Gazania
Photo by Martin Heigan

Milkweed
Photo by ozyman