| Etymology | Genus | Mid vein, reference to plant unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Found in or described from the Sumatra region | |
| Family | Fabaceae | |
| Synonyms | Caesalpinia sumatrana Roxb. | |
| Common Names | Cat's Claw | |
| Status | Native: Critically Endangered | |
| Form | Woody climber | |
| Native Distribution | Malesia | |
Diagnostics:
Mezoneuron sumatranum is an uncommon but very distinctive woody climber that is found in our primary rainforests, with its stem covered with large recurved thorns that are heavily thickened at the base.
With these hooked thorns covering the thick twining stem, it looks like something out of a jungle horror story—like a plant made for torture.
Interesting Facts:
An impressive specimun of the Cat's Claw is found along the Cave Path in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve.
Liana climbing up a tree in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (2025)
Close up of the thorns on the woody stem
Close up of the recurved thorns on a young stem
Leaflets of the climber high up the canopy
Underside of a leaflet
References
-Author: Siyang
Posted: 2025-04-12 / Modified: 2025-04-13
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