Six Of The World’s Strangest Plants

The World’s Strangest Plants: Rafflesia Arnoldii

The largest flower in the world, this parasitic plant can bloom over three feet tall. Despite its alluring appearance, the plant exudes a pungent smell and has no leaves, stems or roots. The large center can hold six to seven quarts of water.

Selaginella Lepidophylla

Also known as Rose of Jericho, this impressive plant is native to the Chihuahuan Desert and has an amazing survival mechanism. The desert plant can survive almost complete desiccation by curling into a tight ball during dry weather and unfurling when exposed to moisture.

The World’s Strangest Plants: Mimosa Pudica

The Mimosa Pudica is an extremely sensitive plant that reacts to the slightest stimulus including touch, warmth, wind or even a shake. The herb responds by collapsing into itself and then reopening a few minutes later. This sensitivity is a result of seismonastic movements, which are the result of water movement in and out of the cell.

Bear’s Head Tooth Mushroom

Though they appear to be dangling worms, this is actually an enormous, edible white mushroom. They can also grow branches and are said to be helpful in fighting cancer, stimulating nerve growth, and helping kill roundworms.

Strangest Plants: Wolffia Angusta

Also known as watermeal, Wolffia Angusta is a plant native to Asia that included in cooking. The plant is one of the smallest in the world and has no roots. Instead, it grows in depressions in the water’s surface.

The World’s Strangest Plants: Victoria Amazonica

The Victoria Amazonica plant is the largest water lily in existence and has the strength of a stepping-stone. The root is more than 26 feet long and the leaves and flowers can reach up to be 10 feet in diameter. The plant even changes colors: it is white while blooming on the first night, and the next day turns pink. The plant was named in honor of Queen Victoria.