Uncaria tomentosa aka Cat's Claw

Uncaria tomentosa is a vine known as cat's claw. It is evergreen and belongs to Rubiaceae, the coffee family. Its native range spans the tropics of Central and South America to Trinidad. It grows in wet tropical areas, most often on low ground. Most records place it below 984 feet [300 metres]. It grows in old-growth forest and in disturbed woods. Fewer records come from woods that regrow after people clear them.

This vine grows fast and reaches about 82 feet [25 metres]. Some stems extend to 98 feet [30 metres]. Its listed spread is about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres]. Thick, curved spines grip nearby plants as the vine climbs. Stems near the base can reach 0.8 feet [0.25 metres] across. The plant keeps its leaves all year. Long stems and spines that grip give it its climbing form.

It grows best in patches of shade but tolerates sun. It prefers moist soil that drains well. Both sandy soil and loam suit it. Its stated pH range runs from 5.2 to 7.7. This includes acid and neutral soil, plus ground that is slightly alkaline. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 10–12. This tropical vine is not a garden climber for cold climates. It grows as a weed in parts of coastal Central America. There, it causes trouble for banana growers.

People gather cat's claw from wild plants and those they partly cultivate. Its main recorded value lies in herbal use. People have long used it for arthritis and inflammation. Other uses include stomach ulcers and urinary complaints. People also use it for asthma and menstrual problems. They apply washes to wounds and to clean skin. These records show past uses, not proof that the treatments work. The stems also yield wood for furniture. People drink their sap, which has an astringent taste. Both plant references report no known hazards. This does not prove that every use is safe.

Seeds soon lose their power to sprout, so sow them soon after ripening. Stem cuttings offer another way to grow new plants. Cuttings about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] long can root in moist forest soil. Stems take at least eight years to reach harvest size. Harvest guidance leaves 0.7–3.3 feet [0.2–1 metre] above ground. The rest of the plant can then regrow.