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roundflower catclaw

Scientific Name: Acacia roemeriana

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Roemer's Acacia (Senegalia roemeriana)

Roemer's acacia, also known as Roundflower catclaw, Round-flowered catclaw, or simply Catclaw, is a flowering plant belonging to the legume family, Fabaceae.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant possesses curved, catclaw-like thorns that could potentially cause injury if brushed against.
  • Some varieties have spines that "grab and snag clothes and skin."

Considerations for Children

  • This plant possesses curved, catclaw-like thorns that could potentially cause injury if brushed against.
  • Some varieties have spines that "grab and snag clothes and skin."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Senegalia roemeriana
  • Family: Fabaceae (Legume Family)
  • Common Names: Roemer's acacia, Roundflower catclaw, Round-flowered catclaw, Catclaw, Roemer catclaw, Round-flower catclaw
  • Synonyms: Acacia roemeriana
  • Related species: Senegalia rostrata, Acacia greggii var. greggii (Typical Catclaw Acacia, Long-flower Catclaw), Acacia farnesiana (Sweet acacia)

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Described as a "prickly big shrub."
  • Can grow as high as 20 feet.
  • Features curved, catclaw-like thorns.
  • Leaves are dark green, pointed with a round base and from 3 to 5 inches in length.
  • Flowers are fragrant, cream to greenish, about 3/8 inch wide, or pale-yellowish.
  • Some varieties have tiny, inconspicuous flowers that grow into larger, bright red, round fruits.
  • Other varieties have yellow, cylindrical spikes of flowers.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Observed at Barker Dam, Joshua Tree National Park.
  • Part of the Mescalbean - Round-flower Catclaw Shrubland.

Ecological Role

  • Cat's claw creeper is identified as an aggressive plant.
  • Mentioned as non-native browse species in some regions.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Famed for the delicious sweet honey made from its fragrant flowers.
  • Often the location of nests of the verdin, a small grey desert bird.
  • Susceptible to Biocontrol Beetles in areas where considered an aggressive species.

Traditional Uses

  • The ground seeds of the cat claw acacia were used.
  • Young flowers were roasted and eaten.