ClownDino

The conspicuous capsules of Proboscidea louisianica travel in animal cabs to disperse their seeds over long distances. The flowers of the plant are extremely tasty for bees and bumblebees, the fruits are initially edible and later lignify into the distinctive devil’s claw shape. They stick to the hooves or paws of larger mammals to be carried further way. The involuntary dispersers trample the capsule fruits and thus release the individual seeds. Shepherds are sceptical about the plant though: sheep love to eat the shrub, but thanks to small barbs the fruits become so entagled in the sheep’s fur that the wool might loose its value.

Bild Credits: Roger Culos – CC BY-SA 3.0