Ram’s horn (Proboscidea louisianica, Mém. Soc. Sci. Nat. Math. Cherbourg 38: 480 (1912))

Family: Martyniaceae

Author: (Mill.) Thell.

Bibliography: Mém. Soc. Sci. Nat. Math. Cherbourg 38: 480 (1912)

Year: 1912

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Proboscidea

Vegetable: False

Observations: U.S.A. to Mexico

Description

Ram’s horn, known scientifically as Proboscidea louisianica, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Martyniaceae family. It is notable for its distinctive horn-like seed pods, which resemble the curved horns of a ram, lending the plant its common name. This unique seed morphology is not just visually striking but also plays a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive strategy, aiding in seed dispersal by catching onto the fur of animals or being carried by other means.

Originating from the United States and extending its presence into Mexico, Ram’s horn thrives in a variety of environments, showcasing its adaptability. It is commonly found in areas with disturbed soils such as roadsides and cultivated fields, where it can quickly establish itself and spread. This plant is also well-adapted to thrive in arid and semi-arid conditions, reflecting its resilience and ability to survive in less hospitable environments.

A member of the Martyniaceae family, which is known for its intriguing floral structures and seed dispersal mechanisms, Proboscidea louisianica exhibits noticeable characteristics aligned with other species within this family. The plant typically features large, showy flowers that are often pale lavender or white with darker purple markings, attracting a variety of pollinators which are essential for its reproductive success.

First described in depth in the “Mémoires de la Société des Sciences Naturelles de Cherbourg” in 1912, with attribution to (Mill.) Thell., Ram’s horn has since captivated botanists and naturalists alike. Its striking appearance and survival strategies offer much to study and appreciate. Whether viewed in its natural habitat or cultivated for its unique aesthetic appeal, Proboscidea louisianica continues to intrigue and inspire generations.

Common Names

Eng: aphid trap, common devilsclaw, devil’s claw, elephant tusks, goat’s-head, purple-flower devil’s-claw, ram’s horn, unicorn-plant, purple-flowered devil’s-claw
Fra: bicorne, ongles-du-diable
Dan: gemsehorn
Swe: bockhorn
En: Ram’s horn, Goat’s-head, Purple-flower devil’s-claw, Elephant tusks, Unicorn-plant, Devil’s claw, Common devilsclaw, Aphid trap, Purple-flowered Devil’s-claw, Common Devil’s-claw, Common Unicorn Plant, Elephant Tusk, Horn-capsuled Martynia, Ram’s-horn
Da: Gemsehorn
Fi: Kirjonorsunkärsä
Fr: Bicorne, Ongles-du-Diable
De: Louisiana-Gemshorn
Sv: Bockhorn (växt), Bockhorn

Synonyms

• Martynia louisianica (Mill.)

Distribution

• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• South European Russi (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 26, 2022 by Thomas McCabe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2021 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Ehsan Borzouyan Dastjerdi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2022 by Myrtille Brt (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 22, 2015 by EOL − Roberto R. Calderón (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 30, 2021 by Tr Ernesto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2020 by Masha Velgi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2019 by Balachandran பாலச்சந்திரன் (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by stephanie Barraud (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Jesus Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2020 by Mathieu Bodin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2022 by Sandro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2020 by Juan Francisco Iaconis (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 8, 2015 by EOL − Opuntia Cadereytensis (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 9, 2015 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 25, 2015 by EOL − Carmen Thierry (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 22, 2015 by EOL − Debra Halter (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 23, 2015 by EOL − Nathan Taylor (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jun 13, 2019 by Ramon Martorell Martorell (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415100)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:210335-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Proboscidea louisianica (Mill.) Thell.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth