Martynia annua

Elephant-tusk, Proboscis Flower, Devil's claw, Unicorn plant, Cat's claw, Tiger's claw

Message of the Flower

Regularity

The Mother’s Comment

Indispensable for all serious accomplishment.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

To be able to be regular is a great force, one becomes master of one's time and one's movements.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - II: Practical Concerns in Work

Colour

White, pink, rose, deep reddish-purple, golden orange

Family

Martyniaceae

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Small but showy

Flower Texture

Smooth

Number of Petals

Tubular with multiple smaller segments

Floral Symmetry

Radial

Fragrance of Flower

Not significantly fragrant

Leaf Texture

Glandular hairy

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Green, occasionally with red hues

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Erect, somewhat shrubby annual plant

Life Cycle

Annual

Blooming Period

Summer

Climate

Native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; adapted to tropical and subtropical climates

Water Requirements

Prefers regular watering but can tolerate short dry spells

Soil Type

Well-draining, fertile soil

Temperature Ranges

Not frost-hardy

Sun or Shade

Thrives in full sun

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Resistant to most pests; occasional issues with aphids and spider mites

Pollinators

Attracts a variety of insects

Habitat

Common in rural and disturbed areas, often found in arable lands

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides ecological benefits such as erosion control and supports local wildlife

Quotations

Involved in local folklore, especially in native regions

Ornamental

Not used in cooking

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Not considered endangered

Endangered Status

Tolerates a range of conditions but not frost

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