Earth is home to hundreds of thousands of plant species, so it’s no wonder that a number of them are quite unique. From flowers resembling Star Wars characters to plants capable of devouring rodents, here’s a list of some of the most interesting vegetation in existence. You probably won’t find any of these in a home garden.
Bear’s Head Tooth image by Distant Hill Gardens
Victoria amizonica image by David Barrie
Darth Vader Flower image by Kristine Paulus
Maypop image by Kathy
Chamberlain Smith is a freelance writer based in Athens, Georgia.
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Rainbow Eucalyptus Tree
Yes, this is real life! Rainbow trees do exist. You can find this beauty in the Philippines, New Guinea, Indonesia and frost-free areas of United States. When the rainbow eucalyptus sheds last season's bark, brightly colored new bark is revealed underneath. These trees can reach heights of up to 250 feet and thrive best in their native tropical environments.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
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Victoria Amazonica
The Victoria amazonica water lily is known for its incredibly large circular leaves which can grow upwards of eight feet across and support up to 100 pounds. This plant is native to tropical South America and lives in the lakes and backwaters of the Amazon River. The leaves are anchored by stems buried underground and the surface remains dry thanks to a waxy, water-repellant coating. Pink flowers grow along the side of the plant, but typically only live for 48 hours.
Photo courtesy of Flickr
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Darth Vader Flower
Resembling the infamous Star Wars Character, the Aristolochia salvador platensis is certainly one of the most unique looking plants around. It hails from the Aristolochia family which includes more than 500 species. The "eye sockets" of the Darth Vader flower are thin enough to allow light in to entice pollinating insects. These insects are then trapped by hairs and covered with pollen before being released.
Photo courtesy of Flickr
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Hooker's Lips
The Psychotria elata is Latin America's most kissable flower. Affectionately known as "Hooker's Lips," this plant is quite distinct. The luscious "lips" are actually waxy leaves that house small star-shaped flowers in the center. The bright red color shows up from December to March as a way to attract insect pollinators. Butterflies and hummingbirds are especially drawn to this plant.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
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Maypop
Maypops are also known as purple passionflowers because they were said to represent the Christian crucifixion, sometimes called the Passion. The vine can reach up to 25 feet long with edible lavender flowers and wavy segments stemming from the plant. The maypop is native to the southeastern United States, but commonly grows in regions that freeze in the winter. The vine dies underground, but pops back to life the following season, giving it the name "maypop."
Photo courtesy of Flickr
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Rat Eating Pitcher Plant
It doesn't get much weirder than this, a plant that eats rodents. The Nepenthes attenboroughii was discovered on Mount Victoria in the Philippines and is the largest carnivorous plant ever found. Rats are drawn to the plant for its sweet nectar, but fall inside and become trapped in the sap. Acidic digestive enzymes then break down the rodent while it's still alive.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
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Bear's Head Tooth Mushroom
Scientifically known as the Hericium americanum, this mushroom often grows from hardwood trees and is formed from a cluster of white, spiny branches that originate from a common point. The Bear's Head Tooth comes from the Hericium family of edible mushrooms. But before you go foraging for this guy, make sure you've done your research. This particular fungus is only edible when young.
Photo by Distant Hill Gardens, CC-BY