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Dolichandra unguis-cati

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Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) A. Gentry

Family Name: Bignoniaceae
Synonyms: Macfadyena unguis-cati, Bignonia unguis-cati
Common Name: Anikab, Bejuco, Edmurcielago, Mano de Lagarija, Cat Claw Ivy, 猫爪藤

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Climber
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution Tropical America
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Local Conservation Status Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only)

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form A woody vine, it climbs by means of claw-shaped leaf tendrils and adventitous roots. 
Roots The roots produce tubers which produce runners. 
Foliage The compound leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. Each leaf consists of 2 leaflets and a terminal 3-clawed tendril. The leaflets are ovate to lanceolate, 3-7 cm long, with an entire margin. 
Flowers The yellow flowers are trumpet-shaped, 7 by 10 cm, borne in clusters at the leaf axils. The corolla is 5-lobed and yellow with orange lines running along the length of the corolla tube. 
Fruit The fruit is a linear, flat capsule, up to 50 cm long, with oblong, winged seeds. 
Habitat It is found in tropical and pre-montane forests, at sea level to 600m in altitude. 
Cultivation It can be propagated by seed.
Etymology Macfadyena, after James Macfadyen (1799–1850), a Scottish doctor and botanist who studied the plants of the Caribbean region; Latin unguis-cati, cat's-clawed, referring to the claw-like tendrils.

Landscaping Features

Landscaping It is suitable for parks and gardens, on trellis and pergolas for its bright yellow flowers.
Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens, Vertical Greenery / Green Wall, Trellis / Arbour / Pergola
Thematic Landscaping Golden Garden
Usage Hazard - Cons Invasive / Potentially Invasive

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Abiotic

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Semi-Shade, Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Fast
Rootzone Tolerance Drought Tolerant, Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting, Storage Organ (Tuberous Root), Division

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Leathery
Foliar Type Compound
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Opposite
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate, Lanceolate)
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Entire

Non - Foliar and Storage

Root Type Underground, Aboveground (Aerial Root)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Yellow / Golden, Orange
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary
Individual Flower Shape Trumpet-shaped

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Brown
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 148
Species ID 1444
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 23 February 2022.
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