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Martynia

Unicorn plant, Proboscis flower

Martyniaceae Proboscidea louisianica (Mill.) Thell.

Source: Magness et al. 1971
This is an annual plant, up to 2 to 3 feet in height, with entire leaves, round to cordate, 4 to 12 inches wide. The fruit is hairy, about 1 inch thick and 4 to 6 inches long at maturity, about half the length consisting of a slender curved beak. The small, immature pods are made into pickles, like cucumbers. The plant is grown as an ornamental, and sparingly as a pickling vegetable.
Season, seeding to first harvest: 3 to 4 months.

Production in U.S.: No data. Of minor importance.

Use: Pickles.

Part consumed: Entire young pods.


Last update February 18, 1999 by ch