Date: Wed, 9 Apr 1997 18:13:03 -0700 (PDT) From: Gary <garko@sfsu.edu> To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg1350$foo@default> Subject: Re: Ibicella lutea...
Hi everyone--
I think Wim was referring to the plant known as Devil's Claw, which used
to be called Martynia, but I haven't a clue whether it's the same as
Ibicella or Proboscidea. It's method of seed dispersal--BTW, the bizarre,
claw-shaped seedpods are what give the plant its common name--is to pierce
the hooves and paws of range animals with its sharp, barbed fruits (could
be seeds, not sure). The animal limps away, carrying the seed in its
flesh; and you have to remember that its barbed, so there's only one
direction that it continues to move, and that is DEEPER into the animal's
foot. Yuck. Anyway, when the crippled animal finally collapses and dies,
OR if it manages to pull the seed out, the seed has found a new home. And
these seed/fruits aren't small, I've seen them in dried flower
arrangements. Their bent barbed hooks measure about 6-8" long and are
VERY HARD! OUCH!
Gary
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Tue Jan 02 2001 - 17:31:01 PST