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Uncaria rhynchophyllaUncaria rhynchophylla
Uncaria rhynchophyllaUncaria rhynchophyllaUncaria rhynchophyllaOverview
Uncaria rhynchophylla (simplified Chinese: 钓钩藤; traditional Chinese: 釣鉤藤; pinyin: diào gōu téng; lit. 'fish hook vine') or the cat's claw herb is a plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
(+)-Catechin and (-)-epicatechin are found in the plant as well as the alkaloid rhynchophylline.
Updated by lebachungtdh@gmail.com · 10/15/2026
Life cycle
From seed to productSeed & germination
The plant is propagated mainly by **seed**: sow fresh or pre-treated seed in loose, moist soil and keep it evenly damp; germination follows within a few weeks.
Seedling & growth
Seedlings establish, forming leaves and roots; growth rate depends on light and moisture.
Flowering
The plant blooms with **small yellow-green globular flower heads, May–July**; pollination is by insects and wind.
Fruiting & harvest
After flowering the plant sets fruit and seed; **hooked stems collected in autumn–winter**.
Uses
- 'fish hook vine') or the cat's claw herb is a plant species used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Habitat & conservation
(+)-Catechin and (-)-epicatechin are found in the plant as well as the alkaloid rhynchophylline.
Conservation
Uncaria rhynchophylla has not been assessed by the IUCN Red List (NE). As a medicinal plant, it benefits from sustainable collection and propagation to protect wild genetic resources.
References
- 1Wikipedia – Uncaria rhynchophylla — Wikipedia,
- 2Kew POWO – Uncaria rhynchophylla — Plants of the World Online (Kew),
- 3Wikidata – Q1134307 — Wikidata,