Proboscidea althaeifolia
Devilˊs Claw, Desert Unicorn Plant
Oʼodhamban iˊhug
Description
Proboscidea althaeifolia grows from a large tap root that lives below ground all year except during the Monsoon. As soon as the humidity and soil moisture rise, it sprouts and quickly produces a low mound of glossy, green to olive colored leaves. The fragrant flowers are about 2 inches long and yellow to light orange in color. These are followed by fruit 6 to 8 inches long. In September, the fruit dry and dehisce (split lengthwise). This species grows in sandy soils between 1000 and 5000 ft. The Oˊodham cultivate a larger form of Devilˊs Claw that is derived from the native Proboscidea parviflora, which has a purple-flower.
