Dolichandra unguis-cati
Family: Bignoniaceae
Common Name: Cat's Claw Creeper
Dolichandra unguis-cati, commonly known as the Cat's Claw Creeper, is a fast-growing, vigorous climbing plant native to Central and South America. The plant is known for its large, claw-like, yellow to orange flowers that appear in clusters, typically during the warmer months. The leaves are compound, and the vine can climb up to 10 meters or more, using its hook-shaped tendrils to latch onto supports like trees, fences, or trellises. The Cat's Claw Creeper thrives in full sunlight and well-drained, fertile soils, and it is often used for covering walls, fences, and other structures in gardens. While attractive, it can be invasive in some regions due to its rapid growth and ability to smother other plants.