Mauritius Thorn
Caesalpinia decapetala
Observed in a fence row near Eldoret, Kenya. January 2012. Lantana, another widespread invasive weed can be seen in the fence row behind.
FLOWERS: Yellow flowers with five slightly unequal petals. The seven to
nine stamens are on long, pubescent filaments and held close to the style column.
Inflorescence a spike.
SHRUB: The reddish brown, woody stems tend to clamber up and over
adjacent vegetation reaching a couple of meters in length.
LEAVES: Leaves are twice compound with the ultimate segments ovoid in
shape.
RANGE: This plant is native to India, but has become an important weed
in many tropical places around the world. It was thought to make a good living
fence! Other names are Cat's Claw and Mysore
FRUIT: The bean pods are held erect on the inflorescence spike.
ARMED. Many sharp spines are arrayed along the stems.
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