Pithecellobium unguis-cati
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusPithecellobium
Zone10
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Pithecellobium unguis-cati, commonly known as Cat's Claw or Black Bead, is a shrub or small tree native to seasonally dry tropical climates. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is known for its distinctive claw-like thorns. The plant can grow up to 10 meters in height and produces fragrant flowers and edible pods.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Cat's Claw
Inga Felina
Inga Guadalupensis
Inga Microphylla
Mimosa Guadalupensis
Spiroloba Unguis
Zygia Guadalupensis
Feuilleea unguis-cati
Feuilleea unguis-cati var. latifolia
Inga unguis-cati
Mimosa unguis-cati
Pithecellobium flavovirens
Pithecellobium guadalupense
Pithecellobium guaricense
Pithecellobium microchlamys
Pithecellobium microphyllum
Pithecellobium paniculatum
Pithecellobium pulchellum
Pithecellobium saxosum
Pithecellobium seleri
Zygia unguis-cati
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
Dormancy2 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Cat's Claw prefers bright, direct sunlight and thrives in warm, tropical climates. It requires moderate temperatures and can tolerate some drought once established. The plant benefits from regular watering during the growing season but should be allowed to dry out between waterings. It also prefers moderate humidity levels.Soil
This plant prefers well-draining loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in nutrient-rich soil. Ensure the soil dries out almost completely between waterings to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Fertilize Cat's Claw with a balanced fertilizer, such as 5-10-10, during the growing season. Apply the fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth and flowering. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.Repotting
Repot Cat's Claw every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one and ensure it has good drainage. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, loosen the roots, and place it in the new pot with fresh soil.Propagation
Propagate Cat's Claw through seeds or cuttings. For seed propagation, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting them in a well-draining soil mix. For cuttings, take a healthy stem cutting and plant it in a moist, well-draining soil mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment until it establishes roots.Pruning
Prune Cat's Claw regularly to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches and trim back any overgrown areas. Pruning is best done during the dormant season to minimize stress on the plant.Toxicity
Cat's Claw is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. The seeds and pods contain toxic compounds that can cause gastrointestinal distress and other symptoms. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion.Additional
Cat's Claw is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments. However, it should be used with caution due to its toxicity. The plant also attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to a garden.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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