Uncarina Grandidieri
Uncarina grandidieri (Baill.) Stapf
Uncarina grandidieri is a remarkable, drought-adapted caudiciform shrub or small tree endemic to the dry forests of southern Madagascar. It enchants with large, petunia-like yellow flowers with dark purple throats and is prized in succulent collections worldwide for its sculptural swollen trunk and otherworldly hooked seed pods.
Pedaliaceae (Sesame family)
Summer through autumn; blooms prolifically during the warm growing season; plant is dormant and leafless in winter
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: cactus (prickly pear)s and yellow sand verbenas also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Uncarina grandidieri is one of only twelve species in the exclusively Malagasy genus Uncarina, and its presence is deeply embedded in the unique ecological heritage of Madagascar -- one of the world's foremost biodiversity hotspots. The hooked seed pods, which latch onto passing animals for dispersal, have earned the plant dramatic common names like Mousetrap Tree and Devil's Claw, and legends persist in some regions of small animals being caught by the pods. The plant holds cultural significance in traditional Malagasy practices, connecting modern gardeners to one of the richest and most isolated botanical traditions on Earth. Its sculptural caudex base, built up over years of growth, is considered a living artwork among succulent collectors.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best growth, flowering, and caudex development; tolerates light shade but produces fewer flowers
Water
Water freely during the growing season (spring through summer); reduce sharply as leaves drop in autumn and keep nearly dry through winter dormancy; highly drought-tolerant
Soil
Well-drained, Sandy, Rocky, Low fertility -- avoid rich soils which promote weak growth
Expert Growing Tips
Grow in the sunniest position available with excellent drainage
Treat dormancy seriously -- withhold water when leaves drop and resume watering only when new growth begins in spring
Handle with care: the dried seed pods bear tiny barbed fishhook spines that can firmly attach to skin and clothing
Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination; maintain temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius during germination
Repot carefully every 2-3 years in spring; avoid disturbing the roots unnecessarily
In frost-prone climates, grow in containers and bring indoors before temperatures drop below 5 degrees Celsius
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Focal specimen in succulent and caudex collections
- Container plant on sunny patios and terraces
- Botanical garden display featuring Madagascar flora
- Dramatic bonsai and caudex accent plant
- Companion to desert rose (Adenium obesum) and other pachycaul succulents
Traditional Uses
- Aromatic leaves have been used in traditional Malagasy practices, though specific documented medicinal applications are limited in Western botanical literature
- Related species in the Pedaliaceae family, including Harpagophytum procumbens (Devil's Claw), are widely used in herbal medicine for joint pain and inflammation -- though this benefit has not been confirmed for Uncarina grandidieri specifically
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Uncarina Grandidieri
What is Uncarina grandidieri?
Uncarina grandidieri, commonly known as the Mousetrap Tree or Devil's Claw, is a drought-adapted shrub or small tree endemic to southern Madagascar. It belongs to the sesame family (Pedaliaceae) and is prized by succulent collectors worldwide for its swollen caudex base, large bright yellow flowers with dark purple throats, and dramatically hooked seed pods.
Why is Uncarina grandidieri called the Mousetrap Tree?
The dried seed pods of Uncarina grandidieri are covered with stiff, inward-pointing spines, each tipped with a tiny barbed fishhook. These hooks evolved to latch onto the fur of passing animals for seed dispersal, but are reportedly capable of ensnaring small animals like mice -- hence the name Mousetrap Tree. Gardeners are advised to handle the pods with heavy gloves.
How do you care for Uncarina grandidieri?
Grow in full sun with fast-draining, low-fertility soil. Water generously during the warm growing season, then drastically reduce watering when leaves drop in autumn and keep the plant nearly dry through winter dormancy. In cool climates, grow in a container and bring indoors before frost. Treat it similarly to a desert rose (Adenium) in terms of care.
Can Uncarina grandidieri be grown indoors?
Yes, Uncarina grandidieri makes an excellent container plant that thrives indoors if given the brightest available light -- ideally a south-facing window. It tolerates dry indoor conditions well during dormancy in winter. Move containers outdoors to full sun in spring and summer to encourage flowering and healthy caudex growth.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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