Cat’s claw creeper
Macfadyena unguis-cati, Fam. Bignoniaceae
Rampant woody climber; climbing by adventitious roots and tendrils. Extensive tuberous root system that sends up shoots; can cover the ground.
| Weed Category: |
Restricted invasive plants Category 3 Plants declared invasive under the Biosecurity Act 2014, that are present in QLD.
Not to be distributed or disposed of.
 Thirty-two WONS (Weeds of National Significance) have been identified because of their impact on primary production and the environment, potential for spread and socioeconomic impacts.
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| Weed: | Yes |
| Form or habit: | Vine (Climbing, Twining or groundcover) |
| Family: | Bignoniaceae |
| Leaf: | Compound Opposite Opposite compound with 2 ovate to oblong-elliptic lateral leaflets, 20-70mm long, and terminating with a three-clawed tendril (the cat’s claw), each claw 10-15 mm long. Juvenile leaves are simple. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
Yellow |
| Flower description: | Large bright yellow bell-shaped with 5 petals, tube 40-80mm long, borne singly or in axillary pairs; perfumed. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: |
Black, Brown |
| Fruit: | Dry |
| Fruit description: | Narrow flat brown or black capsules to 150-450 x 8-20mm, containing many flat papery seeds, winged at both ends and 20-40mm long. |
| Habitat: | |
| Distribution | |
| Food source for: | |
| Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
| Origin: | Mexico, Argentina and Brazil |
| Notes: | Spread by: wind, water, contaminated soil and garden waste. Invades/threats: creek banks and rainforest; dominates ground layer, strangles trees. Notes: introduced as a garden ornamental. Very severe scattered infestations throughout the region, including Reliance and Carmila creeks and Proserpine River. Category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014, it must not be given away, sold, or released into the environment without a permit. The Act requires everyone to take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the risks associated with invasive plants and animals under their control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO). |
| Information sources: | Mackay Regional Pest Management Group (2018) Weeds of the Mackay Whitsunday Region Second Edition. |
