Uncarina stellulifera

Native to Madagascar, it is a succulent shrub or small tree with a swollen trunk and broad lobed leaves covered with fine hairs. Large magenta to purple trumpet-shaped flowers display darker veins radiating from a pale throat. Hooked projections cover the woody fruits and allow them to catch on passing animals. Its swollen stems store water through the dry season, when the plant sheds its leaves. Beetles pollinate the flowers, becoming coated with sticky pollen as they feed. Photographed in Florida.