Sweet Unicorn Plant, Ram's horn

Proboscidea fragrans

Physical Characteristics

Proboscidea fragrans is a ANNUAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is in flower from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

South-western N. America - Texas to Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Seedpod Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked as a potherb with beans[183]. The half-ripe seedpods are cooked and eaten as a vegetable[2, 183]. They are 8 - 10cm long[188]. Seed - cooked[257]. Boiled and eaten[257]. The soft immature seeds can be eaten raw, roasted or ground into a paste[183].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known