Unicorn Plant, Ram's horn

Proboscidea louisianica

Physical Characteristics

Proboscidea louisianica is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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

Southern N. America - Indiana to Iowa, Utah, Texas and New Mexico.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Root Seed Edible Uses: Oil Young fruits, harvested whilst still tender enough to be pierced with a fork, can be sliced and added to soups as a thickening agent[85, 183]. They can also be parboiled and eaten as a vegetable or pickled in vinegar[183]. They are sometimes pickled when immature[1, 27, 61]. The fruit is about 4 - 6mm long[200]. Seed - raw or cooked. High in protein[183] and in oil[207]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[183]. Root[2]. No more details are given.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known