These resemble cacti, with clumps of four-sided spineless stems, but they actually are perennial succulents. The flowers appear in summer, and are large, very fleshy, and shaped like a five-pointed star. I've heard it said that they smell like carrion, yet I've not found it to be so overpowering that it is offensive. They need a cool dry period in the winter months, when they should be protected from frost. They tolerate extreme heat very well.