Hydnora Africana: The Underground Monster Plant

Hydnora africana, commonly known as the underground monster plant or horrid groundweaver, is a unique and bizarre plant native to southern Africa. It belongs to the family Hydnoraceae and is known for its peculiar appearance and parasitic nature. Hydnora africana can be found in arid regions of South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. It grows mostly beneath the ground, with only its flowers emerging above the surface. These underground plants latch onto the roots of neighboring plants, especially those from the Euphorbia genus, and absorb nutrients and water from their host. The flowers of the underground monster plant are large and leathery, with a spherical shape and a diameter of about 10 to 20 centimeters. They are reddish-brown to dark brown in color and are covered in warty bumps. The flowers have an extremely foul smell, akin to feces, which attracts pollinators such as dung beetles, carrion beetles, and flies. One of the most interesting aspects of Hydnora africana is its ability to sense its host plant's roots. When the underground portion of the plant detects the presence of roots, it sends out a chemical signal that causes the host to send its roots towards the plant. This ensures that Hydnora africana can efficiently parasitize its host. In African traditional medicine, Hydnora africana is used for the treatment of various ailments, such as dysentery, kidney issues, and toothache. The plant's roots are also occasionally consumed as a vegetable due to their high starch content. Due to its unique features, appearance, and parasitic lifestyle, Hydnora africana remains a fascinating and intriguing plant species worthy of further study and appreciation.