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Hercules' club

Zanthoxylum clava-herculis

Hercules' club is a unique plant with thick, spiky branches. It grows in warm areas and has bright green leaves that can be very pretty. This plant is named after the strong hero Hercules!

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Hercules' club is a striking tree with a distinctive trunk covered in corky, cone-shaped thorns. Its compound leaves are shiny green, turning yellowish in fall. Small, clustered yellowish-green flowers lead to tiny, dark, capsule-like fruits.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderSapindalesFamilyRutaceaeGenusZanthoxylum
Hercules' club
aromatic trait badgeflowering trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgeevergreen trait badge
Hercules' club

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

It's called "Hercules' club" because its thorny trunk looks like the legendary hero's weapon!

Its bark contains chemicals that create a buzzing, tingling feeling on your tongue!

Many butterflies, like the Giant Swallowtail, lay their eggs only on this special tree!

Some birds love to eat its tiny, black berries, helping to spread its seeds far and wide!

Special abilities

Ability

Spiky Armor

Hercules' club has formidable, cone-shaped thorns on its trunk that protect it from hungry herbivores.

Ability

Numbness Nectar

The bark of Hercules' club contains compounds that can cause a tingling, numbing sensation, deterring pests.

Ability

Desert Dweller

Hercules' club can thrive in dry, sandy soils thanks to its deep root system, helping it survive droughts.

Measurements & details

Height
1000-1800 cm
Spread
400-800 cm
Flower Size
0.2-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Late spring to early summer
Edible
No
Toxicity
Mild
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

shelters

Giant Swallowtail

Papilio cresphontes

Its leaves are food for the butterfly's larvae.

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

Bees visit its small flowers for nectar and pollen.

eaten by

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Robins consume its small, dark berries, spreading seeds.

Traits

Also known as

Toothache Tree

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Be careful around the spiky branches; they can be sharp!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Hercules' club?

1000-1800 cm

How wide does Hercules' club spread?

400-800 cm

How big are the flowers on Hercules' club?

0.2-0.5 cm

When does Hercules' club bloom?

Late spring to early summer

Is Hercules' club edible?

No

Is Hercules' club toxic?

Mild

What is Hercules' club's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is Hercules' club pollinated?

Insect

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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