DEVIL’S CLAW

Proboscidea louisianica subsp. fragrans (Martyniaceae)
Location: United States

This herbaceous plant is named for the two curved horns on its
fruit, one on each half. The genus name, Proboscidea, derives
from the word ‘proboscis’ and recalls the elongated mouthparts
of certain species of insect. The common name, ‘Devil’s claw,’ is
self-explanatory. Each fruit contains about 40 seeds, which are
released gradually as it slowly dries and splits open. An example
of a successful hitchhiker, this plant has developed a clever
adaptation that takes advantage of large grazing animals to
disperse its seeds. The claws attach readily to fur or get caught
around fetlocks or hooves. The handwritten note on the label of
this specimen says ‘Mule Grab’, which is another of its common
names.