Unique and Unusual Plants Around Us

Mother nature is beautiful, mystical and magical. Her strange and unusual creations continue to amaze us. And so is the case with plants. With more than 374,000 species of plants all across the world, you are sure to find some bizarre plants among them. Some of them are so unique and unusual that they are certain to set your eyes rolling. Here is a look at some of the strange plants that don’t look like your typical plants but that’s what makes them so interesting.

Baseball Plant or Sea Urchin

Euphorbia Obesa is among some unique indoor/outdoor/garden plants that are native to South Africa. Given its same shape as that of a baseball, it goes by the name of Baseball Plant. The plant is a succulent perennial that is popular because of its distinctive features and low maintenance needs. It is now an endangered species and the government has enforced strict laws to protect its remaining native populations.

Venus Flytrap

Venus flytrap is an insectivorous flowering plant that eats insects to get the required nutrients. Its sharp tentacles, which look like a mouth with stinging teeth, snap shut as soon as an insect crawls or comes in contact with it and traps it inside. It remains that way until enzymes break down the insect for the plant to feed on it.

Corpse Flower

The corpse flower, Titan Arum or Death flower is the largest flowering structure that has the biggest flower in the world. It is native to the rainforests of western Sumatra. The plant stands tall at a height of more than eight feet. Being true to its name, the Corpse Flower looks like raw meat and smells like a dead rat. It is highly rare, grows only every 40 years and thus, is protected by law.

Tropical Pitcher Plant

The tropical pitcher plant is another unique plant, native to SouthEast Asia. It is an elongated tube-like pouch filled with a special fluid to attract all kinds of small insects and reptiles. It is said that some species of pitcher plants can even consume mice.

Welwitschia Mirabilis

The plant is weird to look at but that’s what our article is about, right? Welwitschia is known to be one of the longest living plants that can be found only in the desert of Namibia (Southwest Africa). It is one of a kind species that has only two leaves and a sturdy stem with roots. The two leaves can continue to grow up to 8 meters wide and 2 meters high. Its estimated lifespan is believed to be between 500 to 2000 years.