Biancaea decapetala, also known as Mysore Thorn, Shoofly, Mauritius Thorn, or Cat’s Claw, is a robust, thorny, evergreen shrub or climber native to tropical regions of India. This species belongs to the Fabaceae family, recognized for its legume-bearing plants.
Biancaea decapetalacan grow as a sprawling shrub reaching up to 4 meters in height, or it can climb and reach heights of 10 meters or more. The stems are covered in minute golden hairs and are armed with numerous, straight to hooked thorns that are not arranged in a regular pattern. The foliage consists of dark green, leathery leaves with paler undersides. The leaflets are relatively small, typically up to 8 mm wide.
A striking feature of Biancaea decapetalais its clusters of pale yellow flowers that bloom in elongated, erect inflorescences. These flowers can reach up to 400 mm in length, adding a burst of color to the plant during its flowering season. Following flowering, the plant produces brown, woody pods that are flat and unsegmented. These pods split open upon maturity, revealing the seeds within.
Biancaea decapetalathrives in warm, humid climates and prefers well-drained soil. It’s found in various habitats, including dry forests, scrublands, and along riverbanks. The plant demonstrates resilience in drought conditions and can tolerate poor soil quality.
Invasiveness Potential
It’s important to note that Biancaea decapetalacan be invasive in some areas where it’s not native. The fast-growing nature and dense thorny thickets the plant forms can smother native vegetation and disrupt ecosystems. Invasive tendencies have been reported in South Africa and other regions where it was introduced intentionally.
Additional Information
- The various common names of Biancaea decapetalareflect its geographical distribution and characteristics. “Mysore Thorn” refers to a region in India, “Shoofly” alludes to the potential of the thorns to deter insects, and “Cat’s Claw” describes the hooked nature of the thorns.
- Biancaea decapetalahas some traditional medicinal uses in its native range, but caution is advised as some plant parts may be toxic.
- Due to its invasive potential outside its native habitat, planting of Biancaea decapetalashould be done with caution and with consideration for local regulations.
