Venture into the arid landscapes of southern Africa to discover Hydnora africana, a truly mysterious parasite that challenges our very definition of a plant. Often mistaken for a fungus due to its bizarre appearance, this chlorophyll-lacking angiosperm spends most of its life underground, revealing its presence only when its fleshy, alien-like flower emerges. Prepare to be captivated by the unique and somewhat unsettling wonders of this botanical enigma.  

What makes Hydnora africana so perplexing is its complete dependence on its host, typically plants of the Euphorbia genus. Lacking leaves and the ability to photosynthesize, it survives by attaching to the roots of its host, siphoning off nutrients and water like a subterranean vampire. Its vegetative body is reduced to a network of thick, branching underground stems that bear wart-like growths, from which the unusual flowers eventually develop.  

The flower of Hydnora africana is a spectacle in itself. Emerging after heavy rainfall, it resembles a fleshy, peach-orange tube with three prominent openings. The interior often displays a striking reddish or orange hue, sometimes adorned with white, spongy structures. This bizarre bloom emits a potent and often foul odor, reminiscent of feces or rotting meat. This scent acts as a powerful attractant for its primary pollinators: dung beetles and carrion beetles, which are lured into the flower’s chamber.  

Adding to its mysterious nature, the Hydnora africana flower functions as a temporary trap. Stiff bristles inside the floral chamber prevent the visiting beetles from escaping immediately. Only after the beetles have moved around, inadvertently collecting and depositing pollen, does the flower open, releasing them to potentially pollinate other Hydnora flowers.

Even the fruit development is unusual. The fruit of Hydnora africana grows entirely underground, taking up to two years to fully ripen. This subterranean berry, which can reach the size of a small apple, is said to have a taste and texture similar to a potato when cooked. Interestingly, it is also consumed by various animals like jackals, baboons, and porcupines, which aids in seed dispersal. Furthermore, the fruit is highly astringent and has traditional uses in tanning leather and preserving fishing nets.