Plants, with their diverse forms and functions, often bear names that reflect their unique characteristics or intriguing qualities. Some of them have such strange and unusual names that you might think they belong in a science fiction movie. In this article, we will explore some of the plants with bizarre names in the world, and learn about their origins as well as characteristics. Whether you are a plant lover or just curious, you will be amazed by these fascinating flora.
#1. Mother in-Law’s Tongue
Named for its sharp, pointed leaves reminiscent of a tongue ready to deliver a sharp remark, the mother-in-Law’s tongue is a resilient and low-maintenance plant. Its distinctive appearance and hardiness make it a popular choice for indoor decor, thriving even in conditions that might challenge other plants.
#2. Buddha’s Hand
Resembling multiple yellow fingers reaching towards the sky, Buddha’s hand is a citrus fruit that has captivated many with its unusual appearance. The name is inspired by the fruit’s resemblance to the fingers of a hand raised in a gesture of blessing or peace.
#3. Mother Of Millions
This succulent earned its peculiar name due to its remarkable ability to produce countless tiny plantlets along the edges of its leaves. Each of these plantlets has the potential to grow into a new individual, making the mother of millions a symbol of prolific reproduction in the plant kingdom.
#4. Naked Man Orchid
This orchid earns its whimsical name from the peculiar shape of its flowers, which bear a striking resemblance to tiny, naked men. The distinctive blooms add a touch of humor and intrigue to gardens, captivating those who encounter this playful and unique orchid.
#5. Old Lady Cactus
With its shaggy white hair-like spines and stooped posture, the old lady cactus mirrors the appearance of an elderly woman. Despite its unconventional name, this cactus is cherished for its resilience and ability to thrive in arid conditions.
#6. Pig’s Ear
This unique succulent gets its name from its round, flat, and fleshy leaves that bear a resemblance to a pig’s ear. Both charming and distinctive, its unique appearance adds a touch of whimsy to gardens and succulent collections.
#7. Sneezewort
Contrary to its name, sneezewort is not responsible for inducing sneezes. This herbaceous plant got its name from historical use, where its dried flowers were believed to be effective in promoting sneezing. Today, it is appreciated for its delicate white flowers and ornamental value.
#8. Corpse Flower
The corpse flower, also known as the Titan Arum, earns its morbid name from the foul odor it emits when in bloom – a scent likened to that of a decomposing corpse.
#9. Japanese Blood Grass
This ornamental grass earns its dramatic name from its vibrant red foliage, creating the illusion of blood-stained blades. The Japanese blood grass adds a bold and striking element to gardens, particularly when backlit by the sun.
#10. Sausage Tree
Undoubtedly, the sausage tree must be on the list of plants with bizarre names. Its name is inspired by the long, sausage-like fruits that dangle from its branches. Native to Africa, this tree is not only known for its peculiar fruit but also for its cultural significance in traditional medicine and folklore.
#11. Hens And Chicks
This succulent earned its name due to its unique growth habit. The main rosette, known as the “hen,” produces smaller rosettes, the “chicks,” around it.
#12. Nodding Lady’s Tresses
The name of Nodding Lady’s Tresses, which is both beautiful and strange, came from the way the petals were arranged in a spiral, almost as if someone had cleverly braided them!
#13. Cupid’s Dart
Cupid’s Dart is an enchanting blue-flowered plant that derives its name from Greek mythology. Legend has it that Cupid, the god of love, used these darts tipped with flowers to make people fall in love. The charming flowers of this plant make it a must-have when it comes to plants with bizarre names.
#14. Doll’s Eye
The black stigmas in the white berries, which resemble a group of eyes, are the source of the intriguing name. It stands out more because of the crimson stalks.
#15. Dumb Cane
Be careful with the dumb cane, as its name refers to the numbing effect of its sap, which can cause temporary loss of speech if ingested. While it may pose a risk to curious pets and small children, this tropical houseplant is prized for its attractive foliage and air-purifying qualities.
#16. Dead Man’s Fingers
With a name that invokes images of the macabre, the Dead Man’s Fingers fungus earned its moniker from its finger-like appearance emerging from decaying wood.
#17. Widow’s Thrill
Widow’s Thrill, also known as the Kalanchoe succulent, earned its name due to its ability to endure harsh conditions and thrive in neglect. Its charming clusters of colorful flowers provide a delightful contrast to its hardy nature.
#18. Toothache Plant
Named for its numbing properties, the Toothache Plant has been traditionally used to alleviate dental pain. The leaves and flowers of this herb produce a tingling sensation when chewed, providing relief to those suffering from toothaches.
#19. Hooker’s Lips
With its unique and puckered red flowers, Hooker’s Lips earns its provocative name from the resemblance of its blooms to a pair of luscious lips. This tropical plant adds a touch of whimsy and playfulness to gardens and botanical collections of plants with bizarre names.
#20. Drumsticks
Drumsticks gets its name from its silvery foliage and tiny yellow globe-shaped flowers. You should begin producing drumsticks, preferably from seeds six to eight weeks before the last frost. This plant is great for crafts or cuttings because of its extended vase life.
Nature is full of surprises and wonders, especially when it comes to plants with bizarre names. From the whimsical to the mysterious, these bizarrely named plants have captured our attention and sparked our imagination. And if you find these plants have blown your mind with their unique beauty, let us know by leaving a comment.
