The Wild Side of Creation

Adam’s sin brought a curse on the earth. After that, plants really branched out so that now there are plants almost everywhere—even Antarctica! And some of these plants are really wacky in their wonderful way.

Rafflesia

(Meat Flower)

You might think that growing the world’s largest flower would draw huge crowds to view your garden. But people need to hold their noses to take in this three-foot-wide wonder. That’s because all 20 pounds stink! What’s more, this parasite plant has no stems or leaves. Instead, it steals food from its favorite type of vine in the grape family.

Baobab Tree

Some people call the baobab the “miracle tree.” Why? Well, these giants of Africa and Australia have some pretty giant features. For one, they’re huge—one type reaches nearly 100 feet high. They also store water in their bark (which comes in handy if you’re thirsty in those dry lands). Plus, their fruit is packed with vitamins and minerals. Need more? Well, the older ones, living up to 1,000 years, become hollow inside and make great hideouts. Gives new meaning to “tree house”!

Dragon’s Blood Tree

You’ve probably never seen anything like the dragon’s blood tree. That’s because they grow only in a group of islands in the Arabian Sea in the Middle East. Their restricted home is not the main thing that makes them unique. They look like a big mushroom made out of branches and leaves. So how did these evergreens get the name “dragon’s blood”? Their dark red sap was once thought to be real dragon’s blood.

Jackal Food

To be honest, not much about this plant would inspire you to grow one. They live mostly underground, feed off the roots of other plants, and smell like poop to attract dung beetles. But, wow, are they cool! The claw-like flowers pop up and look like they came out of a video game. Their hairs entangle beetles just long enough to cover them in pollen (which they carry to other plants to fertilize). After fertilization, the jackal food produces edible, potato-tasting fruit—really!

Shy Plant

You’d be excused if you didn’t notice this creeping plant. Although it produces pretty pink flowers, there’s not much else to catch your eye. But if you touch it, things get interesting! The shy plant is, well, shy. For protection, the leaflets on each leaf fold inward quickly. Not bad for something with no muscles.