Devil's Claw

This is a seed pod called a Devil's Claw.

They are grown from a weed called a Unicorn Plant. The plant is a large bush with 5 inch thick stems and ever growing leaves. It's covered in countless tiny hairs and a sticky substance that attracts and kills bugs (minus worms, which love to eat the fruit). The Unicorn fruit will dry and make the dramatic transformation from a green smooth unicorn shape to a rough sharp claw.

The seed pod is dangerous for its two sharp horns, or claws, giving it the name "devil claw". The points are sharp enough to draw blood! There are other species of devil claws that can grow from 4-6 horns per pod. These plants are considered invasive and dangerous in the lower United States because these wild weeds can injure the hooves of livestock. Despite efforts to kill them in the wild, the pods and their seeds can survive all kinds of abuse and sprout easily. I have been pricked many times with the horns while sculpting, it hurts!

If controlled, their seeds can be obtained. I grow them in my garden only when I need them. Their unique wood-like density and texture makes them great for sculpture. They are thick, durable, and bendable. They can be cut with wire cutters, split in half, drilled into, and added to. These qualities make them great for crafting and unusual sculpture.

Please look at my Devil Claw sculptures to see what I have done with them.  Devil Claw Sculpture Gallery >>> www.deviantart.com/art-fromthe…