Dolichandra unguis-cati aka Golden Shower

Taxonomy

Genus Dolichandra Family Bignoniaceae Order Lamiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Dolichandra unguis-cati, also known as cat's claw creeper, funnel creeper, or cat's claw trumpet, is a rapidly growing climbing vine that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. Native to the tropical dry forests of Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, this vine has semipersistent foliage and can reach heights of up to 20 meters. Its stems are woody and adorned with thin and small aerial roots that aid in climbing. The dark green, opposite, and bifoliate leaves have leaflets measuring 3 to 4 cm in length. During the wet season, Dolichandra unguis-cati produces fragrant, flared, trumpet-shaped yellow flowers, which can grow individually or in small groups. Despite not being hardy in the UK, it is considered invasive in many tropical regions worldwide. This vine has the ability to rapidly spread both vertically and horizontally, affecting all layers of plants in forest ecosystems.

Common names

Golden Shower, Cat's Claw, Cat Claw

How to care for Golden Shower

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Golden Shower is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Golden Shower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Golden Shower thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Cat Claw.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

More info:
Wikipedia

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More Species in Dolichandra Genus

Dolichandra cynanchoides