Devil's Claw (Proboscidea louisianica)
The Devil's Claw, also known as the Unicorn Plant can grow to 1m across. It has large, palmately lobed leaves covered in sticky nectar. In the summer, it produces clusters of tubular, five-lobed flowers that are lilac with purple spots. This fast-growing annual species is native to the southern USA and Central Latin America.
The leaves are densely pubescent and slightly sticky, while the flowers are brightly coloured. It's fruit is a fleshy, woody curved pod that eventually splits into two "claws" upon drying. making it a great addition to any well-drained soil in full sun. It's "unicorn plant" name is inspired by the remarkable fruits it produces is initially fleshy, shaped like a unicorn's horn.
Watering
Please give me consistent watering if you want me to thrive. I need at least 2.5-4cm water from above every week.
Light
As much direct sun as possible to help me grow quickly.
Where to Keep Me
Outdoors is best. As an annual I sprout in September and will die by April. I grow super quickly to reach adult size and produce a few seed pods so my kids can come up year after year.
Feeding
I am not carnivorous, I just catch bugs to stop them eating my flowers and fruit.
Soil Recipe
The bigger the pot you give me the bigger I'll get. 20cm minimum. Regular potting soil with a little bit of compost is my favourite, with a pH of 5-6.