Uncaria guianensis CAT'S CLAW (10 seeds)

Cat's Claw is a perennial tropical vine belonging to the Rubiaceae family. It is a climbing plant originating from South America, specifically Peru. It grows very rapidly and develops primarily on uncultivated lands within the Amazon rainforest. It also goes by the name "Peruvian vine" and can grow upon trees reaching heights of several dozen meters.

Its foliage consists of opposite, simple leaves that are generally oval or lanceolate. The leaves are a glossy green, which gives them an attractive appearance. They measure between 5 and 15 cm in length, with a smooth texture and occasionally slightly serrated edges.

The flowers of the Uncaria are small, tubular, grouped in inflorescences, and bloom by emerging from a sphere. They are white in color. Flowering occurs during the hot season.

Its fruits are capsules containing seeds. They are generally small, measuring 3 to 5 cm in diameter, and are rounded in shape. After pollination, the capsules ripen, turn brown, and open to release the seeds, which can then be dispersed by the wind or by animals.

Cat's claw seeds come from Uncaria; they are tiny, thin, orange in color, and very light.

- Properties / Uses:

Cat's claw is particularly interesting for its virtues. Certain indigenous peoples of the Peruvian Amazon, notably the Ashaninkas, have long considered cat's claw a sacred plant capable of healing both body and spirit. These tribes use the bark of the plant, notably as an aphrodisiac, but also to treat wounds and to reduce pain related to digestive, joint, bone, or kidney disorders.

In Spanish, it is called "Uña de gato," which means cat's claw, because of the small claw-shaped stems located at the base of its leaves.

Nowadays, this beautiful Peruvian vine is used to:

1. Act as an anti-inflammatory
2. Provide antioxidants
3. Stimulate and strengthen the body's immune defenses
4. Provide antimicrobial effects
5. Relieve pain related to rheumatism and arthritis, acting as an analgesic
6. Its uses are diverse; Uncaria guianensis is employed in herbal medicine and traditional medicine.

Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

- Germination and Sowing of Seeds:

• The best period to sow cat's claw is starting in June, when the temperature is sufficiently warm.
• Sow the seeds in a tray of previously moistened and finely sifted peat.
• It is important not to cover them.
• Water gently with a hand sprayer.
• Cover the tray with plastic wrap to maintain constant humidity.
• Place the culture in a bright and warm spot.
• The temperature must be at least between 30 and 40°C.
• Germination of the Uncaria will generally begin 3 to 4 weeks after planting.

- Substrate / Soil Types:

Uncaria prefers a well-drained substrate, rich in humus and organic matter, with a slightly acidic pH if possible. A mixture of potting soil and compost with the addition of perlite to promote drainage will provide the right conditions for good rooting and healthy growth.

- Exposure / Sunlight:

It likes a semi-sunny to partial-shade exposure. It is a vine that generally grows at the edge of the tropical forest and must therefore benefit from a few hours of direct sunlight per day. In hotter regions, it is preferable to offer it partial shade during the hottest hours of the day.

- Temperatures:

"Peruvian ginseng" prefers warm temperatures, ideally between 25 and 35°C. It does not tolerate frost and must be protected from temperatures below 10°C. In cooler climates, it is advisable to grow this plant indoors or in an exotic greenhouse.

- Watering:

Watering must be regular, but it is essential not to saturate the soil with water. The substrate should be kept slightly moist but never waterlogged. Excessive watering can lead to root rot problems. In general, it is best to water when the top of the soil begins to dry.

- Maintenance:

This beautiful climber must be brought indoors for the winter or cultivated in the ground only in mild climates.