Wishing to have a fish tank with exotic fish but have an allergic reaction to them! Well, how about the plants that look like fish?
Follow along to learn in detail about how some plants have evolved to mimic a fish.
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Flowers And Plants That Look Like Fish [5 Greatest Wonders]
It may sound unreal, but some plants have naturally evolved to look like fish over the course of time.
The phenomenon is similar to how some plants look like cats and some mimic a bird.
Despite the plants’ features reminiscent of fish, they are not biologically related to the fish.
So, let’s have a look at 5 popular plants that look like fish.
1. Fishbone Cactus
Different from many of the Cactus, Fishbone (Epihyllum anguliger) is an epiphyte that has a long flat stem.
Interestingly, the succulent stem is segmented and grows in a zigzag pattern that looks just like a Fishbone, hence the name Fishbone Cactus.
Moreover, the edge of the stem has a deep notch or indentation similar to the spine of the fish.
These trailing Cactus produce bell-shaped pale pink blooms that disperse sweet fragrances. But the bloom only lasts a short period, usually 1-3 days.
2. Goldfish Plant
Next on the list of plants that look like fish is the Goldfish Plant (Columnea nematanthus). But rather than the plant, it’s the flower of this Columnea plant that makes it resemble a fish.
During the blooming season (spring and summer), the bright orange to red flowers looks exactly like a school of Goldfish swimming in the water.
Meanwhile, these vining plants can trail up to 2 to 3 feet in a hanging basket.
They are best suited from zone 10 to zone 12. But if you wish these plants to grow in the colder zone, cover them with a burlap or fleece blanket to protect from harsh winter.
3. Coral Bell
The Coral Bell, or Heuchera (Heuchera spp), is a perennial plant adored for its dense feathery foliage.
The leaves can be found in shades of green, from light green to dark green.
While some variegated varieties can offer stunning colors like burgundy, bronze, purple, silver, peach, and even black.
Further, the color of the leaves can change throughout the growing season, mostly due to the response to the environmental condition.
However, they will not have a problem growing in Zone 4 to Zone 9, where the temperature is cooler.
4. Hanging Lobster Claw
Unlike any other on this list of plants that look like fish, the Lobster Claw Heliconia (Heliconia rostrata) resembles a Lobster, not a fish.
But the plant made it to the list as lobster and fish both have similar habitats.
Just like the name, the flower bract of the plant appears identical to a Lobster claw.
Meanwhile, the inflorescence of the plant consists of several bright red, orange to yellow bracts that open in a fan-like arrangement.
Within the bracts hides small tubular flowers that are usually green or yellow. The long lender petal extends like the antenna of the lobster, adding to the overall Lobster-like appearance.
Moreover, these plants thrive in swamps and marshes, similar to the actual Lobster.
5. Fishtail Palm
True to its name, the Fishtail palm (Caryota spp) is a tropical palm with leaves that mimic a fish’s tail shape.
As the plant grows, the leaves mature and split along the midrib, creating a unique and jagged appearance.
While this Palm plant may look like a fish in many ways, you can grow them in your garden as ornamental as they elevate the aesthetics of a plain garden.
From Editorial Team
Know The Toxicity!
Many people have allergic reactions to fish or seafood, similar is the case with plants.
Also, plants possess toxic chemicals like calcium oxalate or saponin that causes oral irritation and abdominal discomfort when ingested.
So, make sure you check the toxicity of plants before you bring them home.
