Uncaria

Genus of plants in the family Rubiaceae

Uncaria is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus comprises about 34 species, which are distributed in tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The plants are commonly known as "cat's claw" due to the hook-like thorns that resemble a cat's claw.

Description

Uncaria species are woody climbers or lianas. They are characterized by their hook-like thorns, which they use to attach to other vegetation. The leaves are opposite, simple, and have entire margins. The flowers are small, tubular, and typically arranged in dense clusters. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Uncaria species are found in tropical regions across the world. They thrive in humid, forested environments and are often found climbing on trees in rainforests. Some species, such as Uncaria tomentosa, are native to the Amazon rainforest, while others, like Uncaria gambir, are found in Southeast Asia.

Uses

Several species of Uncaria have traditional medicinal uses. Uncaria tomentosa, commonly known as cat's claw, is used in traditional medicine in South America for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Uncaria gambir is used in Southeast Asia for its astringent properties and is a source of gambir, a substance used in tanning and dyeing.

Species

Some notable species of Uncaria include:

• Uncaria tomentosa - Cat's claw
• Uncaria gambir - Gambir
• Uncaria rhynchophylla - Used in traditional Chinese medicine

Gallery

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  Uncaria histura

Related pages

• Rubiaceae
• Medicinal plants
• Liana

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  Uncaria gambir illustration from Köhler's Medicinal Plants

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  Uncaria histura at Elmina West, Shah Alam