Contents
Description
Pithecellobium Unguis-Cati, commonly known as cat’s claw, is a flowering plant that belongs to the legume family. This plant is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It has a fast growth rate and can reach a height of up to 50 feet. The bark of this tree is covered with sharp thorns, hence the name cat’s claw. The leaves are pinnate, and the flowers are small and yellow. The fruit is a long, flat pod that contains beans.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Eukarya|| ——— | ———-|| Kingdom| Plantae|| Phylum| Magnoliophyta || Class| Magnoliopsida || Order| Fabales|| Family| Fabaceae|| Genus| Pithecellobium || Species| Pithecellobium Unguis-Cati |
Appearance
Cat’s claw has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other plants. The tree has a dense, spreading canopy with a rough, grayish-brown bark that is covered in sharp thorns. The leaves are pinnate and can reach up to 8 inches in length. The flowers are small and yellow, and the fruit is a long, flat pod that can grow up to 8 inches in length. The beans inside the pod are edible and have a slightly sweet taste.
Care Guide
Cat’s claw is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires moderate watering. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. This plant is hardy in zones 9 to 11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 25°F. When it comes to fertilization, cat’s claw requires a balanced fertilizer every three months during the growing season.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cat’s claw is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. The tree can also attract mealybugs and spider mites, which can be easily controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Cat’s claw is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. It grows in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, savannas, and grasslands. It is also commonly found in urban areas as an ornamental tree.
Question and Answer
Q: Is cat’s claw a deciduous tree?
A: No, cat’s claw is an evergreen tree.
Q: Can cat’s claw be grown in containers?
A: Yes, cat’s claw can be grown in containers as long as they are large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Can cat’s claw be used for medicinal purposes?
A: Yes, cat’s claw has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including arthritis and digestive issues.
Q: Is cat’s claw an invasive species?
A: No, cat’s claw is not considered an invasive species.
Related Plants
- Pithecellobium dulce
- Pithecellobium flexicaule
- Pithecellobium keyense
- Pithecellobium lanceolatum
References
- “Pithecellobium ungulatum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285482.
- “Pithecellobium ungulatum (L.) Mart.” GBIF, www.gbif.org/species/3174366.
- “Pithecellobium ungulatum (L.) Mart.” Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, https://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/bioinformatics/dfm/metas/view/31641.
