Date: Fri, 7 Apr 2000 09:01:00 -0700 From: Ivan Snyder <bioexp@juno.com> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg1060$foo@default> Subject: Devil's Claw II --Chupa Cabra Lives!!
OTHER SENSATIONAL FACTS
Although the Devil's Claw may not truly be carnivorous, it certainly
looks like a body snatcher. It is in fact responsible for cattle
mutilations and may be the original source of the El Chupa Cabra lore.
For these reasons, the plant is illegal to cultivate in some areas.
Imagine that, a carnivorous plant so dangerous it is illegal!
Devil's Claws comprise two genera, Ibicella and Proboscidea, of the
Martynia family. Vegetable growers have for a long time known that all of
them cross pollinate and form fertile hybrids, so they are in conflict
with taxonomist in regard to the separate genera names. There are, if I
recall, seven species altogether, and all originating in the Americas.
Most Proboscidea are from the south western United Satates and Mexico,
and Ibicella lutea is from Brazil. Here in Southern California we have
two species, P. parviflora, and P. althaeafolia. It is surprising to
learn that since ancient times Man has had an interest in Devil's Claw.
The native people of the South West have long used the Devil's Claw for
food and in basket weaving. So important to them was this plant that it
has actually been domesticated. P. parviflora var. hohokamiana has been
selected as a cultivar and has traits which differ from wild forms. Some
have claws up to 15 inches, twice as long as the wild. Its seed is white
compared to the wild black, and they easily germinate. I have grown wild
forms and could not get the seed to germinate without GA3. Var.
hohokamiana germinated without GA3 in just three days. Nowadays, people
are most interested in Devil's Claw as food. The immature fruits are used
in Cajun cookery and pickled like okra. Previously, P. louisianica was
most used since it was in the Cajun's area, but now Ibicella lutea is
most favored. The seeds are also edible and similar to sunflower seed. I
have grown P. althaeafolia, and this species produces an edible tuber
which looks like a parsnip. All species are worth growing in the garden
even if all you care for is pretty flowers. Viva Chupa Cabra!
WHERE TO GET
Several different kinds are available as seed through mailorder. I got
the domesticates from:
Native Seeds/SEARCH
526 N. 4th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85705
Visit their new web site for more info and pictures:
http://www.azstarnet.com/~nss/
Enjoy,
Ivan Snyder
Hermosa Beach
California
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