Sweet Unicorn Plant, Ram's horn
Proboscidea fragrans

Family: Martyniaceae

What it is like

Proboscidea fragrans is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.6

Where it is found

Not known

South-western N. America - Texas to Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - cooked as a potherb with beans. The half-ripe seedpods are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. They are 8 - 10cm long. Seed - cooked. Boiled and eaten. The soft immature seeds can be eaten raw, roasted or ground into a paste.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The ripe seedpods are used as an ornament on willow baskets. The pods are softened with lye and water, split, bent and used as sewing withes in coiled basketry.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained porous fertile soil in a warm sheltered position. A frost-tender species, it can be grown outdoors in Britain as a half-hardy annual. This species is closely related to P. louisianica.

Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a warm greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 9-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

P. louisianica fragrans. (Lindl.)Bretting. Martynia fragrans