Catclaw Blackbead
Pithecellobium unguis-catti
Plant Family: Leguminosae
Leaves: Alternate, compound, with 2 segments and 2 leaflets per segment, each leaflet up to 5 cm long, and having sharp spines at the leaf axils.
Bark: Reddish brown to light brown, rough to lightly fissured.
Flowers: Yellow-white, globular, in showy clusters; late winter to spring.
Fruits: A curved pod that splits open to reveal hard black seeds in a bright red pulp; summer into fall.
Habitat: Sandy soils, hammock edges.
Growth Form: Shrub to small tree.
Key Feature: The unique arrangement of the leaflets allows for easy identification.
Comments: The common name refers to the short spines that are 5 mm long and very sharp, like a cat’s claw. Catclaw Blackbead also occurs in Mexico.
