The Unicorn Plant, aka Devil’s Claw. Definitely one of the most bizarre native species found in only a few spots along the Copper Trails, ABQ Open Space. what begins as a stout-stemmed, big-leaved, gorgeous-flowered plant, quickly produces okra-like fruits that dry into wickedly-clawed woody seed pods!
A Weirdly Wonderful Plant
a curious nature 
This plant must be in the same family with okra, interesting and beautiful 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually okra is in the mallow family (think hibiscus). This plant is in the sesame family. But it’s fun to draw comparisons. The fruit looks like okra while still green, but very different when dried hard like wood.
LikeLiked by 1 person
No thanks! I’ll pass on eating anything that’s anything like okra! But the fibers? Well that’s a different matter… to play around with weaving the pod fibers would be wonderful fun! Robin
LikeLiked by 1 person
Robin ….. I probably wouldn’t try eating this fruit when green; okra is in the mallow family (think hibiscus). This plant is in the sesame family. But it’s fun to draw comparisons. The fruit looks like okra while still green, but very different when dried hard like wood.
LikeLike
Ah, thanks for the clarification! The use of the seeds for food (like nuts) and oil interests me… I’ll have to do a little research to see if anybody still processes the seeds for oil. One thing I really like about your posts is gaining familiarity with new words (and sometimes root words)!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The flowers are beautiful, but the dried pod is exquisite!
LikeLike
Thanks Susan! I love including the actual bits and pieces.
LikeLike
Soooooo happy to see your beautiful work again, Barb!!🥰
LikeLike
Thank you so so much!
LikeLike