Family: Bignoniaceae

Native to tropical America, this small group of woody vines is grown for their beautiful, bright yellow, bell-shaped flowers, borne singly or in small clusters. The leaves are quite unusual, having two leatlets plus a terminal leaflet with a claw-like tendril.

Species

M. unguis-cati, cat's claw, cat's claw trumpet, is a vigorous climber which can grow to 10 m (33 ft) tall, and therefore needs to be grown in a large conservatory. It flowers profusely in spring and summer. The flowers are about 10 cm (4 in) across; the fruit, which resembles a bean pod, grows to 30 cm (12 in) or more long; and the leaves are lance-shaped or oblong.

Cultivation

These climbers are frost-tender, so grow them in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory if frosts are a problem. Use soil-based potting compost. Ensure good light but shade from direct sun. After flowering, prune back lightly to keep plant in its allotted space. Outdoors grow in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer in a warm propagating case.

Climate

Warmer parts of zone 10 and above.