Yellow unicorn-plant
Ibicella lutea

Family: Martyniaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows each year from seed. It grows 30-70 cm tall. It has short hairs and a sticky resin. The leaves are opposite and simple. They are round to kidney shaped and have teeth along the edge. It has yellow flowers. The seed pods have double claws.

There are 3 Ibicella species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in desert and arid conditions. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Brazil (country/location of origin), North America, Paraguay, South Africa, South America (country/location of origin), Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

The young fruit are pickled or made into sweetmeats.

Edible parts

Fruit, vegetable

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Astas del diablo, Chifre-do-diabo, Cuarentena, Cuernos del diablo, Devil's claw, Martynia, Proboscis flower, Ram's horn, Unas del diablo

Synonyms

Maytena lutea Lindl.;