Murderwort
“Professor Mannhardt relates a strange legend current in Mecklenburg to the effect that in a certain secluded and barren spot, where a murder had been committed, there grows up every day at noon a peculiarly-shaped thistle, unlike any other of its kind. On inspection there are to be seen human arms, hands, and heads, and as soon as twelve heads have appeared, the weird plant vanishes. It is further added that on one occasion a shepherd happened to pass the mysterious spot where the thistle was growing, when instantly his arms were paralysed and his staff became tinder.”
From “The Folk-Lore of Plants“, by T. F. Thiselton-Dyer
Yesterweird 
Oh-em-gee AWESOME.
That whole section on fabulous plants is mind-blowing. Thanks for the link!
You’re welcome. There’s lots of neat stuff in there.
Don’t know why but this sounds like the sample included with an invitation to submit a story for a themed anthology like “ATTACK OF THE KILLER FLORA!”
Not a great anthology with celebrity editors or contributors or anything. One of those ‘For the Love’ books put out by a press you’ve never heard of.
At least Killer Flora is general enough to allow you to sub to multiple markets. If you’re story gets rejected by LEFT-HANDED SWEDISH VAMPIRES THAT MOONLIGHT AS CHIROPRACTORS, you’re generally shit outta luck.
I actually have a murderwort story forming. Should I hold off or alter in some way? (what I’m asking is, are you working on one too? Because the markets sure will scratch their heads if two such start making the rounds)
Go for it. Why shouldn’t we confuse the markets? (I’m not actually working on one at the moment.)
LOL, okay–and good point re: confusing the markets.