Plant Database

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Proboscidea althaeifolia

Proboscidea althaeifolia (Benth.) Decne.

Desert Unicorn-plant

Pedaliaceae (Sesame Family)

Synonym(s): Martynia althaeifolia, Martynia arenaria, Proboscidea arenaria

USDA Symbol: PRAL4

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

A coarse plant with stems lying on ground and few yellow, bilaterally symmetrical flowers in racemes.

As the plump fruit matures, it divides into halves and its outer, fleshy layer peels off, revealing the hard inner portion of the fruit, the single horn of which splits into two devils claws. There are several species in the Southwest, some with pink or magenta flowers. The dark fibers in the pods are used with fibers of other plants in weaving fine baskets.