Carrion flower Borneo and Sumatra. It can grow to be 3 feet across and weigh up to 15 pounds. "R. arnoldii" is a parasitic plant on "Tetrastigma" vine, which grows only in primary rainforests. It has no visible leaves, roots, or stem. It does not photosynthesize, but rather uses the host plant to obtain water and nutrients. Plants in the genus "Stapelia" are also called "carrion flowers". They are small, spineless, cactus-like succulent plants. Most species are native to South Africa, and are grown as potted plants elsewhere. The flowers of all species are hairy to varying degrees and generate the odor
Plant embryogenesis conditions are dry, and then commence growth when conditions become suitable. Before they start growing into stem, leaves, or flowers, the buds are said to be in an embryonic state. - http://www.umanitoba.ca/afs/plant_science/COURSES/39_768/l15/l15.1.html A site on the developing plant embryo from a molecular genetics perspective Plant embryogenesis Plant embryogenesis is a process that occurs after the fertilization of an ovule to produce a fully developed plant embryo. This is a pertinent stage in the plant life cycle that is followed by dormancy and germination. The zygote produced after fertilization, must undergo various cellular divisions and differentiations to become a mature embryo.