Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
africana
ID:
329851

Status:
valid

Authors:
G.Don

Source:
wcs

Year:
1834

Citation Micro:
Gen. Hist. 3: 471 (1834)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000329183

Common Names

  • Uncaria africana
  • Cat's claw
  • Uña de gato

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Synonyms

  • Ourouparia africana Baill. [valid]
  • Ourouparia africana K.Schum. [illegitimate]
  • Uncaria africana domatifera E.M.A.Petit [unknown]
  • Uruparia africana Kuntze [valid]
  • Nauclea africana (G.Don) Walp. [unknown]
  • Uncaria africana africana [unknown]

Description

Uncaria africana (also called African uncaria, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows up to 5 m tall. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist lowland forests and montane forests.

Uses & Benefits

Uncaria africana is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant. It is also used as a medicinal plant to treat various ailments.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Uncaria africana sub. africana
Uncaria africana var. madagascariensis (Baill.) Havil.
Uncaria africana var. hydrophila E.M.A.Petit
Uncaria africana var. myrmecophyta De Wild.
Uncaria africana var. xerophila E.M.A.Petit
Uncaria africana var. domatiifera E.M.A.Petit

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Uncaria africana has small, yellow-green flowers with five petals and yellow anthers. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and delicate.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Uncaria africana can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from mature stems and planted in a well-drained, sandy soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide plenty of light.

Where to Find Uncaria africana

Uncaria africana is native to tropical Africa. It can be found in Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Zaire.

Uncaria africana FAQ

What is the scientific name of Uncaria africana?

Uncaria africana

What is the common name of Uncaria africana?

African Cat's Claw

What is the natural habitat of Uncaria africana?

Tropical forests of Africa

Species in the Rubiaceae family

Acranthera abbreviata, Acranthera anamallica, Acranthera athroophlebia, Acranthera atropella, Acranthera aurantiaca, Acranthera axilliflora, Acranthera bullata, Acranthera capitata, Acranthera ceylanica, Acranthera didymocarpa, Acranthera endertii, Acranthera frutescens, Acranthera grandiflora, Acranthera hallieri, Acranthera hirtostipula, Acranthera involucrata, Acranthera johannis-winkleri, Acranthera lanceolata, Acranthera longipes, Acranthera longipetiolata, Acranthera maculata, Acranthera megaphylla, Acranthera monantha, Acranthera nieuwenhuisii, Acranthera ophiorhizoides, Acranthera parviflora, Acranthera philippensis, Acranthera ruttenii, Acranthera salmonea, Acranthera siamensis, Acranthera siliquosa, Acranthera simalurensis, Acranthera sinensis, Acranthera strigosa, Acranthera tomentosa, Acranthera variegata, Acranthera velutinervia, Acranthera yatesii, Acranthera philippinensis, Acranthera burmanica, Acranthera virescens, Acranthera hoangii, Acranthera collina, Acrobotrys discolor, Acrosynanthus jamaicensis, Acrosynanthus latifolius, Acrosynanthus minor, Acrosynanthus ovatus, Acrosynanthus parvifolius, Acrosynanthus revolutus,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-209741: Based on the initial data import
George Don (1798-1856): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'G.Don' in the authors string.