Cockspur thorn facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Cockspur thorn
Scientific classification
Genus:	Maclura
Species:	cochinchinensis

The Maclura cochinchinensis, also known as cockspur thorn, is a type of plant. It can grow as a vine that climbs or a shrub that spreads out. This plant belongs to the Moraceae family, which includes fig trees and mulberries.

You can find this plant growing naturally in many places. Its home range stretches from China, through a region called Malesia (which includes countries like Malaysia and Indonesia), all the way to Queensland and northern New South Wales in Australia. It likes to live in different kinds of tropical forest, especially in monsoon forests where there are wet and dry seasons.

The fruit of the cockspur thorn is round and can be yellow or orange. It tastes sweet and can be eaten. For a very long time, these fruits were an important traditional food for Aboriginal people in Australia.

About the Cockspur Thorn

This plant is known for its strong, woody stems. It often uses other plants to climb high into the forest canopy. The "thorn" in its name comes from the sharp spines it can have on its branches. These thorns help protect the plant from animals.

Where it Grows

The cockspur thorn prefers warm, wet places. It thrives in tropical and subtropical areas. In Australia, it is found in the rainforests and wet woodlands of the northern parts. It can grow in different soil types, as long as there is enough moisture.

Its Fruit

The fruits are small, usually about the size of a marble. They are bright and colorful when ripe. People describe their taste as sweet and pleasant. They are a good source of natural sugars and vitamins.

Traditional Uses

For thousands of years, Indigenous Australians have gathered and eaten the fruit of the cockspur thorn. It was a reliable food source, especially when other foods were scarce. Knowing which plants were safe and good to eat was a vital skill for survival in the bush.

See also

In Spanish: Maclura cochinchinensis para niños