Plants are weird and wonderful, especially if you delve into the plant community. There’s such a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, that most plant enthusiasts eventually become well-versed in the world of niche and rare specimens. If you’re on social media, the hashtag #planttok on TikTok has over 4 billion views.
Once you’ve expanded your interests, it makes sense to explore the world of rare and interesting biodiversity that our planet has. We’ve rounded up some fascinating plants that are sure to start a conversation.
Black BatFlower (Tacca Chantieri)
If black is your favourite colour, this is the flower that’s perfect for you. The Black Bat Flower is great for indoor or outdoor spaces, but be warned, it does require a lot of attention. The plant is native to the Southeast Asian region and can be bought from specialised/rare plant collectors or shops.
Corkscrew grass (Juncus effusus)
The name says it all, this grass is twirly and adds an unique texture to any garden space (both indoor or outdoor). The plant has no leaves but can grow up to 30 to 45cm long and are relatively easy to care for. Be sure to keep them in bright light and their soil needs to remain wet.
Living stone (Lithops)
Is it a plant or is it a rock? The living stone succulent just happens to resemble the pebbles we might see on a beach or near a lake. In fact, lithops also tend to look like little brains when you take a closer glance. These succulents are relatively easy to grow and you should water them sparingly. Did you know, they can live up to 50 years (so be ready to take care of them for a while!)
Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes alata)
Native to the Philipines, the pitcher plant is known for it’s distinctive shape and for what it eats. The plant is fully carnivorous, attracts its prey through the nectar held in it’s ‘pitcher’ that ultimately drowns them. So it’s the perfect addition to any home, if you happen to have any fly problems.
