Bignoniaceae

Dolichandra unguis-cati

Common Names: Cat’s claw creeper

Plant Form: Woody climber. Size: Climbs up to 30 m high. Stem: Young stems green and hairless, progressing to woody and up to 15 cm thick at maturity. Leaves: Claw shaped 3-17 mm long, oppositely-arranged and hairless with pointed tips. Flowers: Bright yellow tubular flowers, often with fine reddish lines inside. Fruit and Seeds: Long glossy green, strap like capsules 15-50 cm long, with numerous papery seeds. Habitat: Along waterways, and in disturbed rainforest and roadsides. Distinguishing Features: Claw-like tendrils and showy flowers. Impacts: Forms thick carpets which shade out and smother other plants.