Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
elliptica
ID:
329891

Status:
valid

Authors:
R.Br. ex G.Don

Source:
wcs

Year:
1834

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

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000329223

Common Names

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

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Synonyms

  • Nauclea dasyoneura Walp. [valid]
  • Nauclea elliptica Walp. [valid]
  • Uncaria brevispina Maingay ex Hook.f. [valid]
  • Uncaria dasyoneura Korth. [valid]
  • Uncaria dasyoneura thwaitesii Hook.f. [valid]
  • Uncaria gambier Thwaites [deprecated]
  • Uncaria rostrata Pierre ex Pit. [valid]
  • Uncaria thwaitesii Alston [valid]
  • Uruparia dasyoneura Kuntze [valid]

Description

Uncaria elliptica (also called Cat's Claw, among many other common names) is a climbing shrub native to South America. It is found in tropical and subtropical forests, and is characterized by its long, curved thorns and its small, oval leaves.

Uses & Benefits

Uncaria elliptica is used as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, malaria, and digestive problems. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Uncaria elliptica is small, white and bell-shaped. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, green and have a single pair of leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Uncaria elliptica is a tropical shrub native to South America. It is easy to propagate from cuttings or seeds. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can be propagated from seed, but it is slow to germinate and may take up to two years to flower. Cuttings can be taken in spring or early summer and rooted in moist soil or a rooting medium. Division can be done in spring or fall, and the divisions should be planted immediately.

Where to Find Uncaria elliptica

Uncaria elliptica is native to tropical regions of South America, including Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia.

Uncaria elliptica FAQ

What is the scientific name of Uncaria elliptica?

Uncaria elliptica

What is the family of Uncaria elliptica?

Rubiaceae

What is the common name of Uncaria elliptica?

Elliptic Cat's Claw

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-209780: Based on the initial data import
Robert Brown (1773-1858): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'R.Br.' in the authors string.
George Don (1798-1856): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'G.Don' in the authors string.