Compilation
Hydnora abyssinica

Roots pink to flesh-red when fresh, with sticky exudate, extremely bitter and astringent, covered (except for the tip) with irregularly distributed, less than 0.5 cm long warty outgrowths from which haustoria are produced. Buds scattered along the roots, usually in clusters of 2–4. Flowers bisexual, (3–)4(–5)-merous, 5–25 cm long, the length depending on the depth of the root, with a foetid smell. Perianth-lobes 6–8 cm long, patent and resting on the soil, or lobes not reflexed and flower opening by a separation of the lobes, with a well developed cucullus. Anthers 2.5–3 x 2–2.5 cm; pollen very sticky. Fruit globose, 10–15 cm in diam., entirely subterranean, often splitting irregularly after maturation, outer layer scaly, inner layer mealy, white, very sweet, like the placentas. Seeds brown, very hard, oblong to globose, 1–1.8 mm long.