Devil's Hedge

About

Devil's Hedge
Classification: Woody shrub
Description: Devil's hedge is named for the long thorns which form on the many branches and twigs of the plant, which forms a linear bush approximately one meter in height, one meter in width, and up to 12 meters in length. As the plant grows it curiously spreads out in a linear fashion forming a natural fence. The plant bears 5 part compound leaves with serrated margins, and a nearly circular shape, During the midsummer the plant bears clusters of two centimetre disc shaped flowers with two dozen petals, forming a ring of blue around an orange center. These flowers turn into clusters of teardrop shaped teal berries.

Cultivation: These plants are intentionally propagated to form natural living fences by some peoples to pen in livestock.

Culinary: The dried leaves, fresh steeped shoots, and raw fruit of this plant are edible, but not particularly tasty or nutrient dense.; The flowers have a pleasant flavour and sometimes are collected for flavouring candies.; The roots have an inedible outer pith, but the inner cores are a excellent source of starch when ground into a paste.
Medicinal: This plant has no known medicinal qualities.