Decaisnea, commonly known as “dead man’s fingers,” gets its intriguing name from the uncanny resemblance its fruit bears to a cold, lifeless human finger. When you hold the fruit in your hand, you can’t help but notice its eerie similarity to a dead finger, with its elongated shape and skin-like peel.
The name “dead man’s fingers” is derived from the unique appearance of the fruit. The fruit of Decaisnea is typically about 7-12 cm long and has a soft, fleshy texture. It is covered in a thin, pale blue or green peel that closely resembles the color and texture of human skin. When you touch it, you can feel the coolness and smoothness, just like when you touch a cold finger.
But why does Decaisnea produce its fruits in clusters of three? This interesting phenomenon can be explained by the plant’s reproductive strategy. Decaisnea is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants. The clusters of three fruits actually consist of two empty husks, or “false fruits,” and one fertile fruit containing the seeds.
The male flowers produce pollen, while the female flowers develop into the fruit. In order to ensure successful pollination, the plant relies on insects or wind to transfer pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers. By producing clusters of three fruits, Decaisnea increases the chances of attracting insects or catching the wind, thereby increasing the likelihood of pollination.
The unique appearance of Decaisnea’s fruit has also contributed to its popularity among plant enthusiasts. It adds a touch of intrigue and curiosity to any garden or landscape. Some people find the resemblance to human fingers fascinating, while others may find it slightly eerie. Regardless, it is undeniably a conversation starter and a visually striking addition to any garden.
The name “dead man’s fingers” aptly describes the eerie resemblance of Decaisnea’s fruit to cold, lifeless human fingers. The plant produces its fruits in clusters of three as part of its reproductive strategy, increasing the chances of successful pollination. Whether you find it fascinating or slightly unsettling, Decaisnea’s unique fruit is sure to capture attention and spark conversations in any garden or landscape setting.
