Proboscidea parviflora DEVIL'S HORN (7 seeds)

Devil's Horn, or Proboscidea louisianica in Latin, is a creeping plant from the Martyniaceae family. It is not to be confused with Martynia, which has a completely different fruit. It is found naturally in the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and North America. It is an annual herbaceous plant that measures approximately 80 centimeters in length.

Its pink blooms appear in the form of clusters, with trumpet-shaped flowers. Flowering takes place in summer, adding a spectacular touch to the landscape.

Devil's Horn seeds are white and slightly porous.

Its leaves are covered with glandular hairs carrying tiny droplets of oil, making it oily to the touch. This oil generally serves to capture insects; as a result, it belongs to the family of rare carnivorous plants.

The fruit is actually a pod that can reach a length of 15 to 25 centimeters. At maturity, this pod splits into two parts, each ending in a sort of hook or claw, hence its common name "Devil's Horn." These claws are rigid and can be quite sharp, allowing them to easily latch onto animals or clothing, thus facilitating seed dispersal.

- Properties / Uses:

Spectacular Flowering for Arid Gardens

Proboscidea louisianica stands out for its unique trumpet-shaped flowers, adding exceptional ornamental value to landscapes subject to dry climates.
Its ability to thrive in intense heat makes it a top choice for gardeners looking to structure resilient and original green spaces.

A Pillar of Traditional Basketry

Beyond its aesthetics, this plant is famous for its dried fruits with spectacular hooks, used for centuries in the traditional basketry of indigenous communities to create resistant black patterns.
Today, these fascinating woody structures are highly prized in floral art and decoration for their unique architectural appearance.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The most favorable period for sowing Proboscidea is from the beginning of June and July when the nights are sufficiently warm.
• Soak the seeds for 12 hours in warm water to wake the dormancy.
• Use a substrate based on potting soil and sand. Bury them $0.5$ cm deep, then pack down and water the culture gently.
• Finally, it is important to keep the plantation warm at a temperature of 35 to 40°C.
• Germination will begin 2 to 6 weeks after planting.

- Substrate / Soil Type:

Accustomed to arid environments, it prefers a highly draining substrate, often composed of sandy to loamy soils. This type of soil promotes the growth of this plant, as it allows for good root aeration while retaining the necessary moisture.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

This plant loves very sunny exposures. It develops best in areas where it can receive direct light for several hours a day. Partial sun exposure may also be suitable, but insufficient light could compromise its growth, flowering, and especially its fruiting.

- Temperature / Hardiness:

Proboscidea thrives in very hot, even scorching temperatures typical of the southern regions of the US. It develops very well under temperatures between 25 and 35°C, although this plant can tolerate temperature variations. However, it is not very hardy and is very sensitive to winter frosts.

- Watering / Humidity:

Watering should be moderate during planting; afterwards, it is essential to let the soil dry out completely between two waterings to avoid the risk of root rot.

- Pests / Diseases:

It can be subject to various predators, including insects such as aphids and thrips, which feed on its sap. It can also attract herbivores such as rabbits, which may nibble on its leaves. Fungal diseases can also affect its health if it is grown in conditions that are too humid.

This article was written by Julien on 07/20/2026.