As we identified the tropical vine with its beautiful yellow flowers as Cats Claw Creeper we didn`t expect to stumble upon a taxonomical mess again, as the plant has 2 accepted botanical names: Macfadyena unguis-cati (L.) A.H. Gentry 1973 and Dolichandra unguis-cati (L.) L.G. Lohmann 2008 and to round out there are lots of synonyms as well. We don`t want to detain us with the botanical taxonomy, as we found out that the Cats claw vine is classified as a pest plant in Queensland, Australia and supply or sale is prohibited over there. Macfadyena unguis-cati is native to Central- and South America and has been brought to Australia as an ornamental plant, but the highly vigorous climber completely smothers native vegetation and is growing up over trees.

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Image: Cats Claw Creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati)

To get rid of Cats Claw Creeper plants is difficult, as the tubers can grow up to 40 cm length and are difficult to dig out because they break off easily. To dig out the large tubers can also damage roots of surrounding plants. The tropical climber got the name Cats Claw Creeper, because of the three-clawed tendrils, which are used to climb.
The Cats Claw Creeper is deemed to be one of the most destructive and invasive tropical vines.

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Image: Cats Claw Creeper (Macfadyena unguis-cati)