Many plants have flowers, seed capsules or fruit which look surprisingly like animals or birds. For example, the flowers of heliconias look like the claws of a lobster, while the beautiful blue and orange flowers of the bird of paradise (Strelitzia reginae) look just like the crests of exotic birds. You might be even more amazed to learn that there are plants that look like swans, or like mice – there’s even one that looks like a cow’s udder! Plants like these are a wonderful way for children to develop an interest in gardening, and they’re great fun as well!
Swan Plant (Asclepias physocarpa)
The seed case of this fantastic plant looks just like a swan. Asclepias physocarpa belongs to the milkweed family, and like all milkweeds they attract the lovely wanderer butterfly to the garden. The downside is that the seeds spread very easily throughout the garden on the breeze, so the plant does have some weed potential. Another problem is that it exudes a poisonous, milky sap. However it tastes bad and is not really the sort of thing you’d want to eat. Swan plants reach around 2m (6′) tall, and can be grown in most parts of Australia. They can be grown either as annuals or short-lived perennials, and prefer a full sun position with good drainage.
Cow’s Udder (Solanum mammosum)
Solanum mammosum grows over 1m (3′) tall in most frost-free areas of Australia. It produces small white flowers, followed by fascinating orange or yellow waxy fruit resembling the udder of a cow. Although the Solanaceae contains food plants like the tomato and potato, it is a particularly poisonous plant group, so plants like cow’s udder plant must not be eaten. Fruiting branches of cow’s udder plant are very fashionable used in cut-flower arrangements, and are long lasting.
Mouse Plant (Arisarum proboscideum)
Native to Spain and Italy, the rare mouse plant is a tuberous perennial in the arum family which grows to about 15cm (6″) tall. The flowers are very unusual; they consist of a spathe which curves over like a hood, completely hiding the spadix. The spathe has a long ‘tail’, making the flower look just like the rear end of a mouse disappearing down a hole. Mouse plant grows naturally in woodland areas, in moist, sheltered positions in semi-shade.
Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus glabra)
Native to tropical America, the goldfish plant belongs to the same family as African violets and gloxinias. The flowers look just like goldfish without fins. This is a classic plant for a hanging basket. It grows best indoors in bright filtered light, or outside in a warm sheltered position, but it is frost tender. Water your goldfish plant well in the growing season, but keep it fairly dry during the winter months. Tip prune after flowering to maintain bushiness.
Getting started:
Swan plants are available from nurseries throughout Australia during summer and autumn. Plants cost around $7 for 150mm (6″) pot. Goldfish plants can be found at your local nursery. Prices are about $24 for a 200mm (8″) sized hanging pots. Mouse plants are available from Dicksonia Rare Plants, 686 Mt Macedon Road, Mt Macedon, VIC, phone (03) 5426 3075, in 100mm (4″) pots for $5. Cow’s udder plants are rare, but they are available as cut decorations from some florists.
