The natural world can amaze us with its peculiarities. The plant kingdom, in particular, harbors a range of mysteries. Some plant species exhibit a distinct and unusual appearance that may seem odd, strange, or bizarre. These plants are often referred to as “specimen plants” and are highly sought after due to their unique yet eye-catching looks. Today, we will explore some of the strange plant species that can be cultivated in our gardens.
The first on our list is the Traveller’s Palm. This peculiar plant appears as though banana leaves have been grafted onto a coconut palm. However, this 2D-looking plant is actually a mutant member of the banana family that originates from Madagascar.
The Baobab Tree, a famous tree species in Africa, is known for its unique feature of having a wide and hollow trunk. In the past, people have utilized these large living trees as prisons, storage rooms, and even restaurants! Interestingly, its flowers rely on bats for pollination and its fruits are also edible.
The Cannonball Tree, also known as ‘Kailaspati’ in India, is a unique species of tree. Instead of bearing flowers and fruits on its branches, this holy tree grows them all over the main trunk. The flowers are not only beautiful but also have a pleasant scent, while the fruits resemble cannonballs.
When we imagine a tall palm tree, we usually picture a single stem with leaves at the top. However, the Hyphaene branching palm is different. It features branches that divide into two, which is not a common sight in tall palms.
Passion flowers, belonging to the Genus ‘Passiflora’, boast some of the most stunning flowers in the plant kingdom. Their natural symmetry, intricate design, and unique shapes make them appear as if they were crafted by human hands.
The Giant Arum flower is actually a type of inflorescence that grows on the Elephant foot yam, a popular vegetable in India. Despite its unappealing appearance and an odor reminiscent of decaying flesh, it’s a common choice for kitchen gardens due to its unique features. The plant features an underground corm and a single leaf that resembles a small tree. Some even consider it to be the ugliest flower in existence.
The pitcher plant is a popular carnivorous plant that boasts modified leaves, called Pitfall traps, filled with digestive fluids. It is a great option for houseplants and can be grown in hanging containers.
The Dutchman’s pipe is a fascinating plant that you can add to your garden. It’s a climber with flowers that resemble insect-eating plants, but they’re actually traps that capture insects for pollination purposes. Once the insect is caught, it’s eventually set free to continue pollinating other flowers. The Dutchman’s pipe is definitely a unique addition to any garden.
The earth Star Plant, which is a member of the Cryptanthus genus, is a low-growing Bromeliad that has vibrant leaves arranged in a circular fashion. This plant can be grown indoors and is suitable for pots, terrariums, and dish gardens.
The Lifesaver Plant is a type of succulent that bears a striking resemblance to a cactus. Its flowers are intriguingly beautiful and unique. This plant is perfect for indoor spaces and is typically grown in pots.
It’s safe to say that the world of plants has many wonders waiting for us to discover, and it’s worth exploring them because nature is always in vogue. One such surprise is the Aristolochia Salvadorensis, also known as the Darth Vader Flower. This stunning flower resembles the infamous mask of the villainous character from the beloved Star Wars franchise, and it’s sure to leave you in awe.
The Psychotria Elata, also known as the Hot Lips Flower, can be spotted in the lush tropical forests of Central and South America. What makes this flower remarkable is its resemblance to a pair of alluring red lips, which serves as an invitation to pollinators like butterflies and flies.
