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Ibicella lutea

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It is sticky, and insects tend to get attached.
This does NOT mean it is carnivorous, it is just to protect itself.


One month old seedlings. Even the seed leaves are sticky.


The seedpod within the fruit have spikes all over


Even the seed leaves are sticky.

Author: Glen Parker Van Eseltine 1929
Family:  Pedaliaceae
Habitat:   Northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Southern Brazil
Soil:   Rick - Mix
Water:   Maximum
Sun:   Medium - Maximum
Thickness:  1,4 centimetres
Height:  45 centimetres
Flower:   Yellow/Orange
Propagate:   Seeds/Cuttings
Names:   Devil's Claw, Yellow Unicorn-Plant, Elephant Tusks, Goat Head
Synonyms:  Martynia lutea, John Lindley 1825.
Martynia montevidensis,
Cham. 1832.
Proboscidea lutea,
Stapf 1895.
Ibicella nelsoniana, Van Eselt.
Martynia lutea
var. nelsoniana, Barb.Rodr.
Martynia nelsoniana,
Barb.Rodr.

This annual member of the Pedaliaceae family was given this name by Glen Parker Van Eseltine in 1929. It is found in northern Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and southern Brazil. It grow in a rather rich but still drained soil with quite some water and some to lots of sun. The flowers are bright yellow with orange spots. Although the leaves are rather sticky, and will catch small insects, it is not a  carnivorous plant. It does not contain the digestive enzymes needed for processing the catch.

Being an annual species, it is a relief it can self pollinate. Save the seeds in a cold place for next year - or save them for more than 15 years - soak them for 24 hours, and they will start growing in 2-4 weeks, if places in 21-25C.

The strange fruit is shredded while it is still green and fresh. Underneath sits a seedpod in the same shape. Within that, four rows of seeds are found, around16 in total. The under row tend to sit firm, letting an animal carry them fare away.


Both the leaves and the stems are sticky.


Even the buds are sticky.