Devil's claw
Description
An uncommon annual plant (Proboscidea altheaefolia, Proboscidea parviflora) that is native to arid area in southwestern United States. Devil's claw was named for its large seed pods with hooked ends. The pods are edible before they ripen and become woody. The mature pods turn black or brown and split open releaseing the seeds. Fibers from these pods were used for weaving baskets.
Another plant, found in South Africa Harpagophytum procumbens is also called "devil's claw".
Synonyms and Related Terms
Proboscidea altheaefolia; Proboscidea parviflora; black martynia; devil's horn; unicorn plant
Additional Images
Devil's claw plant; image credit Burr Williams
Devil's claw flower; image credit Burr Williams
Devil's claw seed; image credit Terri Cox
Proboscidea parviflora - Capsule and seeds - [MHNT]
Resource and Citations
- Foraging Texas [website]
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proboscidea_(plant) (Accessed Oct 2020)