Unicorn Plant (Proboscidea louisianica)

Family: Martyniaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Nuts/Seeds, Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young fruits, harvested whilst still tender enough to be pierced with a fork, can be sliced and added to soups as a thickening agent. They can also be parboiled and eaten as a vegetable or pickled in vinegar. — Young fruits, harvested whilst still tender enough to be pierced with a fork, can be sliced and added to soups as a thickening agent.; They can also be parboiled and eaten as a vegetable or pickled in vinegar.; They are sometimes pickled when immature.; The fruit is about 4 - 6mm long.

Habitat & North American Range

River banks and waste places. Naturalized as a weed in Portugal and S.E. Russia. (Zone 9)