About Martynia annua L.
Martynia annua L., commonly known as cat's claw or tiger's claw, is an erect, somewhat shrubby annual that grows to around 1 metre (3.3 ft) tall. The entire plant is covered in glandular hairs. Its leaves are opposite, ovate, and mucilaginous, measuring 6–19 centimetres (2.4–7.5 in) long and 8–20 centimetres (3.1–7.9 in) wide, with red petioles, and their texture and appearance resemble sticky rhubarb. The species produces pale pink, tubular flowers marked with nectar guides and purple spots. When ripe, its fruits turn black and bear hooked spines at their tip, which gives the plant its common names. These hooked spines allow fruits to stick to animal fur; seeds are eventually released when the fruit is crushed under the animal's feet. This species is widely naturalized across subtropical and tropical regions of the world, with prominent occurrences in Central America and the Indian subcontinent. It usually grows in uncultivated fields and arable lands, at elevations ranging from plains up to 1,500 metres (4,900 ft). The plant is used to make beads and other traditional indigenous ornaments. It has been used for a wide range of purported medicinal treatments in the Ayurveda and Siddha folk medicine systems.
