On Earth there are many species of plants about which we have not the remotest idea. The biodiversity of the terrestrial flora is so great that we are surprised every time we come across a new specimen.
In fact, beyond the plants that we know best, there is a whole world of very strange species that, at first glance, may seem like something out of a fantasy or science fiction movie due to their shapes and colors.
Meet the 10 most unusual plants that inhabit your planet.
1.Tacca chantrieri
This curious plant stands out for its black and violet pigmentation. The Tacca chantrieri is spread throughout the Malaysian and Pacific areas and is very difficult to find. It lives mainly in areas where a humid environment predominates.
2. Venus flytrap
The Dionaea muscipula is one of the most famous carnivorous plants in the world. It hunts its prey when they are alive and come into contact with one of its sensitive edges, located around the blade.
The victim must remain in or re-contact the area within 20 seconds. Otherwise, it is not activated. This is due to a security system developed by the dionaea to make sure that the prey is there and is not going to waste energy.
3. Wolffia arrhiza
It is the smallest plant on the planet: it weighs 0.5 grams and its diameter ranges between 8.8 and 1.3 millimeters, which makes a dozen of them fit comfortably on the head of a pin. It is aquatic, native to Malaysia and Australia. They are 40% protein, which puts them on the same level as soybeans, and that is why they are used as food.
4. Actaea pachipoda
It is a North American flowering plant that reaches 50 cm in height. Its white flowers are produced in tiny clusters. In addition, this species generates the drupe, a fruit similar to an eyeball, which is why it is also called doll’s eye.
Although it seems harmless, its fruits are poisonous. It has been classified as toxic to humans, although in some cultures it is used as an antidote to the venom of some snakes.
5. Hydnellum peckii
Popularly known as “blood tooth fungus”, it is an inedible fungus that produces spores on the surface of its vertical spines. It was discovered in 1913 and has since been found in areas of North America, Iran, and Korea.
Its appearance changes depending on the evolutionary phase in which it is. At birth, it is a grayish velvety mass. As it grows, it changes color and texture and begins to secrete fluid, losing it at the end of its life.
6. Drosera capensis
Another of the most curious species of carnivorous plants. The Drosera capensis feeds on insects, using its striking and sticky tentacles as a trap. The prey comes into contact with these and surrounds it, until it is engulfed and prevents its escape.
Its leaves only last one day. They open in the morning and close and fall at sunset to make way for new ones. In addition, this plant produces small seeds.
7. Cereus grandiflorus
It receives the name of “queen of the night” and is found in South and Central America. These exotic flowers live in very dry areas and are located on top of rocks. Its name is due to the fact that the flower only lasts 6 hours, without the possibility of being born again.
8. Dracunculus vulgaris
It is popularly known as “witch’s herb” because of its sharp and elongated shape, as well as the purple color of its leaf.
It is a perennial plant that reaches an approximate size of 1 meter in height. Its stem is underground, which allows it to collect a greater amount of nutrients. The petiole (the corner that joins the stem and its leaf) is especially long, reaching an average of 20cm.
9. Clathrus archeri
Its appearance resembles that of a starfish. The Clathrus archeri plant is a truly amazing species of Australian origin. One of its curiosities is that at birth it is egg-shaped, with a gelatinous and soft consistency. Later, when it opens, it lets out several red stems with black spots, giving the appearance of a star or the legs of a crab.
Its smell is very unpleasant, like the previous one, and this species only appears in the summer and autumn seasons.
10. African Hydnora
It is a plant that stands out for the absence of chlorophyll (green pigments characteristic of plants). Originally from the African continent, the Hydnora grows underground. Its only visible part is its fleshy flower, which opens its petals slightly to allow insects to enter for a short period of time. Like the Bunga Bangkai, it emits a putrid odor to attract parasites.
And to you, which one did you find the most interesting? Leave us your comment!
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