What's new
By:
TerraForums - Carnivorous Plant Community

Welcome to TerraForums — a long-running carnivorous plant community established in 2001. Register for free to join the conversation, ask questions, and connect with growers from around the world.

NASC Auction will open in...

Read the rules first :)
NASC auction is OPEN!!

Devil's Claw Observation

Share this page

jimscott

jimscott

Tropical Fish Enthusiast
I had a few seeds in the fridge for awhile and decided to attempt germination. So with hammer and screwdriver I delicatly destroyed, apparently, all but one. At the moment I have in the Nep planter, under artificial lighting.

First of all, it grows like a weed! It went from one inch to three inches in slightly more than a week. Butwhat really intigues me was that the cotyledon leaves are in a different position every day. It's kinda like watching the position of the moon in the sky, from one day to the next. Has anyone else noticed a rotation?
 
The moon was an analogy, but efter growing erect for several days it fell over. So I propped the stem on a nearby Nep leaf and then propped the whole setup on top of a 3" thick phone book. The new growth is erect again. I haven't noticed it turning anymore. The actual setup in about 15' from a window but under a Grolite.
 
Which species are you growing? I picked up a few Martynia annua pods from the LACPS meeting, which is not suspected of being a carnivore. These are invasive species so care should be taken in growing them.
 
It seems to have stopped rotating. It is now about 8" tall, on its 3rd set of true leaves. Should I repot in topsoil, now, or wait until spring?
 
You should be able to find them locally. They grow wild in Western TX. Kind of weedy.
 
Yeah, you are.

It has tons of sticky hairs, which secrete a strong and smelly goop, on big (almost pumpkin like in my eyes) leaves.

It is not carnivorous though, i.e. doesnt digest prey.
 
obregon562 said:
Yeah, you are.

It has tons of sticky hairs, which secrete a strong and smelly goop, on big (almost pumpkin like in my eyes) leaves.

It is not carnivorous though, i.e. doesnt digest prey.
Click to expand...

how sure are you frankie? Ive read (here) that it hasnt been proven for either way. Why would a plant produce something if it doesnt benefit it? Ma Nature wouldnt do that i dont think. Is there any proof?
 
BuddhistAdam said:
how sure are you frankie? Ive read (here) that it hasnt been proven for either way. Why would a plant produce something if it doesnt benefit it? Ma Nature wouldnt do that i dont think. Is there any proof?
Click to expand...

See Barry's FAQ link in my earlier post:
I have grown this plant to flower a number of times, and while I could see insects being captured by the leaves I was not impressed. Furthermore, I have tested this plant for digestive enzymes using the simple film-emulsion test and have found absolutely no indication of enzyme production. Nor have I seen symbiotic bugs living on them, performing the digestion as is seen on Roridula and other carnivorous plants (although this kind of study done in the plant's native range would be very interesting).

In a nutshell, there is no good evidence that this is anything other than just another sticky plant.
Click to expand...
 
May be the stickyness keeps bugs from eating it.??? That would be my best guess without reading that page.
 
ICPS said:
Do not ever let these plants or their seeds get out of your direct control. They can become invasive weeds and kill wildlife.
Click to expand...

I reread the ICPS page and had forgotten that Devil's Claw can be considered invasive. Jim, have you any experience with it spreading quickly? When it says do not let plants or seeds get out of your direct control does this mean that it readily propagates by stem and/or leaf cuttings like if a branch breaks off? Or does it just mean to be careful?

xvart.
 
It'll be on the porch in the background, second floor. This is my first time with the plant.

IMG_0050-1.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top