Devilish Plants
Welcome back to our month-long celebration of all plants dark and spooky! We’ve previously looked at some plants that have folk associations with all things devilish, and today we’re taking a look at some more plants that have the Devil in their very names. Honestly, who knew the Devil had so much to do with plants? (Editor’s note: Anyone who’s ever had mealy bugs, that’s who.) Let’s take a look!
Purple Devil (Solanum atropurpureum)
Not only is this plant known as Purple Devil, it’s also known as “malevolence” — no surprise then you see the wicked purple and green thorns it produces on its purple stems. While it is quite striking to look at, the stems, foliage, and fruit of this plant are toxic — in fact, just the juices of its fruit can be a skin irritant. Grab a pair of gloves if you have any gardening to do that involves the Purple Devil!
Devil’s Tongue (Amorphophallus konjac)
Also known as a Voodoo lily, dragon plant, or sometimes leopard arum, Devil’s Tongue actually produces starchy, edible tubers used to make a variety of foods in its native regions of Asia. The blooms of these plants are striking, making them an automatic conversation piece in your plant collection. You may want to keep this one in the greenhouse instead of the living room, however — the flowers release a strong scent of carrion to attract flies for pollination purposes.
Devil’s Apple (Podophyllum peltatum)
When it’s not referring to Datura species, Devil’s Apple is also a common name for this North American which is also known as American mandrake and Mayapple. These grow in quite an interesting way, as they only produce two leaves and one small white flower in May that resembles an apple blossom, hence the nickname “Mayapple.” They’re sometimes grown as ornamental plants, and their fruit — once ripened — can be edible in small quantities if you remove the seeds, but frankly we do not recommend it. All parts of the plant are poisonous, and it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Devil’s Tongue Pepper (Capsicum chinense)
You can expect this devilishly hot member of the habanero family to live up to its name. If you’re planning on cooking with these peppers you may want to wear gloves to protect your skin from the oils, but we hear these peppers make for an excellent, if extreme, salsa experience due to the sweet, fruity flavor they have in addition to their heat. Best of luck to those who taste them and please let us know what you think they taste like— besides an inferno.
Devil Cholla (Grusonia kunzei)
The name Devil Cholla covers a variety of spiky North American natives which will grow where almost nothing else will. Its club-shaped branches spread out to form mats with wickedly sharp spines that can grow up to three inches long. Not only is the plant covered in razor sharp spines, but the fruit, which is yellow, is also quite spiny. If you have ever seen one of the densely packed and heavily armed desert dwellers, you will be able to understand why it has the common name of “Devil Cholla.”
Devil’s Walking Stick (Aralia spinosa)
Native to North America, this prickly plant is also known as Angelica-tree and Hercules’s Club. These hardy plants have elegant foliage and showy, creamy white flowers. Young plants develop prickles that they eventually lose as they age — a self-defense mechanism that protects them from foraging animals looking for a quick snack. Despite the dangerous sounding name, these trees attract bees, butterflies, and birds in abundance when they bloom and produce berries.
Devil’s Snare (Datura stramonium)
Also occasionally known as Devil’s Trumpet, Devil’s Cucumber, or Hell’s Bells, this member of the nightshade family is highly toxic and highly aggressive. Its hallucinogenic effects made it a part of salves and ointments that supposedly allowed witches to fly. We can’t stress this enough: Do not try it at home. However, if you have a Philosopher’s stone to guard, go ahead and use Devil’s Snare for that.
Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
While it’s often known as Pothos, this classic houseplant is also known as Devil’s Ivy due to the near-impossibility of killing it! That’s pretty good news for any indoor gardener. With so many beautiful varieties available, its ease of care, and its ease of propagation, Devil’s Ivy is a fantastic addition for your collection.
Devil’s Backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides)
This striking plant earned its name for the unique pattern the stems create as it grows. Despite it’s eerie name and resemblance to a spine, this plant is a great easy care addition to your indoor garden. They do best in medium to bright indirect light, and tolerate a range of household humidity. They’ll even tolerate a little neglect when it comes to watering, but don’t let them dry out too much or you’ll lose leaves.
Devil’s Claw (Proboscidea louisianica)
This low growing plant goes by many names, including Devil’s Claw, Unicorn Plant, Ram’s Horn, and Proboscis Flower. It’s an oddly oily plant that gives the air around it an acrid scent as the essential oils it releases evaporate. The dried fruits have a creepy, claw-like appearance and have been traditionally used by some Native American tribes to make baskets.
We’re almost finished with our Otherworldly October featuring all things dark, spooky, and devilish — all that remains is to wish you all a happy Halloween!
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Happy planting,
Libby & Allis