Cat's Claw Vine 20 Seeds Macfadyena unguis-cati

Macfadyena unguis-cati, commonly known as Cat's Claw Vine or Yellow Trumpet Vine, is a fast-growing climbing plant that belongs to the Bignoniaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. This vine is well-known for its vibrant yellow trumpet-shaped flowers and its ability to quickly cover fences, walls, and other structures.

Key Characteristics of Macfadyena unguis-cati:

Climbing Habit: Cat's Claw Vine is a vigorous climber that uses its claw-like tendrils to cling to support structures, enabling it to quickly cover and adorn surfaces.

Leaves: The leaves of this vine are pinnately compound, meaning they consist of multiple leaflets arranged along a central stem. The leaflets are usually oval to lance-shaped and can provide a lush backdrop to the bright flowers.

Flowers: The most striking feature of Macfadyena unguis-cati is its large, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers. These flowers are typically bright yellow, though there are variations with slightly different shades. They appear in clusters and create a stunning display when in full bloom.

Fruits: After flowering, Cat's Claw Vine produces elongated seed pods that are often several inches long. These pods contain numerous flat seeds and gradually turn brown as they mature.

Growing Instructions

Plant the seeds upon receiving them, or if storing, keep them in a refrigerator until ready for planting.

Soaking: Soak the scarified seeds in warm water for 24 to 48 hours. This will further soften the seed coat and encourage germination.

Germination Medium: Prepare a well-draining germination medium. A mixture of peat moss and perlite or a seed-starting mix can work well. Fill small pots or seed trays with the germination medium.

Sowing: Plant the scarified and soaked Cat's Claw Vine seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the germination medium. Place one or two seeds per pot or cell.

Warmth and Humidity: Place the pots or trays in a warm and humid environment. You can cover the containers with clear plastic wrap or use a plastic dome to create a mini greenhouse. Aim for a temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C).

Germination Period: Germination for Cat's Claw Vine seeds can take several weeks to a few months. Be patient and monitor the containers regularly for signs of sprouting.

Transplanting: Once the seedlings have grown a few inches tall and have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots with well-draining potting mix.