Tiger’s-claw (Martynia annua, Sp. Pl.: 618 (1753))

Family: Martyniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 618 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Martynia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico to C. America, Caribbean

Description

Tiger’s-claw, known scientifically as Martynia annua, is a fascinating plant species that hails from the regions of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This unique flora belongs to the Martyniaceae family, which is known for its peculiar and captivating members.

Characterized by its distinctive claw-like seed pods, Tiger’s-claw captures the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. The name “Tiger’s-claw” aptly describes the plant’s curved, hook-like fruits that resemble the sharp claws of a tiger. These seed pods not only contribute to the plant’s unique aesthetics but also play a crucial role in its reproduction and dissemination strategies.

The habitat of Martynia annua suggests its adaptability to various climates found throughout Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This adaptability is indicative of the plant’s robustness and resilience in diverse environmental conditions, allowing it to thrive in both wild and cultivated settings.

Tiger’s-claw was first formally described in 1753 in the seminal work “Species Plantarum”, authored by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, often abbreviated as “L.” in botanical citations. Linnaeus’ detailed descriptions have provided a foundational understanding of numerous plant species, including Martynia annua, contributing significantly to botanical nomenclature and classification.

In addition to its botanical intrigue, Martynia annua has also captivated the interest of local cultures within its native range. Historically, parts of the plant have been utilized in traditional practices and ceremonies, highlighting its cultural as well as ecological value.

The study and appreciation of Tiger’s-claw continue to grow, drawing interest due to its peculiar morphology and adaptability. This member of the Martyniaceae family remains a vibrant assertion of nature’s diversity, demonstrating the wondrous variety found within the plant kingdom.

Common Names

Eng: devil’s-claw, iceplant, small-fruit devil’s-claw, tiger’s-claw, una de gato
Swe: elefantsnabel
En: Tiger’s-claw, Iceplant, Devil’s-claw, Small-fruit devil’s-claw, Una de gato, Tiger’s claw
Sv: Elefantsnabel

Synonyms

• Carpoceras longiflora (A.Rich.)
• Vatkea diandra (O.Hoffm.)
• Proboscidea jussieui (Steud.)
• Martynia diandra (Gloxin)
• Martynia pallida (Salisb.)
• Disteira angulosa ((Lam.) Raf.)
• Martynia jussieui ((Steud.) J.T.Howell)
• Martynia angulosa (Lam.)

Distribution

• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Aruba (introduced)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Benin (introduced)
• Burkina (introduced)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Laccadive Is. (introduced)
• Laos (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• Netherlands Antilles (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Rodrigues (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Thailand (introduced)
• Togo (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Apr 16, 2022 by Leo Codina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 24, 2022 by amanda podeszwa (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2019 by Prakash Rudraraju (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2021 by Dhanalakshmi Lakshmi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Ajay Sahu (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 31, 2022 by Mohanraj T (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2020 by Aman Vyas (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2019 by Prakash Rudraraju (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Prabhuling Bannimarad (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by s vadivel (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 28, 2022 by LKV Pawar (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2019 by Prakash Rudraraju (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken May 10, 2019 by Prakash Rudraraju (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 12, 2021 by Priyabrata Panja (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Ajay Sahu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2019 by Raju K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by s vadivel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2020 by moorthi Ruthra (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Dec 8, 2019 by s vadivel (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3172618)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:675840-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Martynia annua L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth