Mousetrap Tree

Uncarina grandidieri Stapf

un-care-INE-ah grand-id-ee-AIR-eye

Pedaliaceae

Explanation of name:  Generic name of unclear origin, possibly from the generic name Uncarnia in the Rubiaceae.  This name in turn refers to claws, so Uncarina may come directly from that origin too, meaning "little claw" in reference to the hooked hairs on the fruit.  (DAV indicates that there is a Uncarina Tribe in Madagascar.)  Specific epithet honors plant collector Alfred  Grandidier (1836-1921).

Natural range:   Madagascar.

Recognition:   Small tree with upcurved branches.  Leaves palmately lobed, pubescent.  Flowers shaped like a bent funnel, yellow.  Fruit barbed, clingy.

Landscape uses:   Novelty tree with bizarre eye-grabbing branching pattern.  Flowers showy yellow with dark centers.   Deciduous.

Internet sources:  http://toptropicals.com/cgi-bin/garden_catalog/cat.cgi?uid=Uncarina_grandidieri

http://www.bihrmann.dk/CAUDICIFORMS/subs/unc-gra-sub.asp