Cockspur Thorn, Maclura cochinchinensis, also known as Thorny Cockspur is small bush or woody fruit bearing climber with long arched branches that could reach three or four meters when held up by a small tree. Cockspur Thorn is found in dry and sub-tropical rain-forests and along wooded waterways in Southeast NSW and North Queensland in Australia.

This upright scrambler has hostile sharp thorns, 0.5-2.5 cm long, frequently longer than leaves on juvenile plants, along its branches that can be dangerous. Maclura cochinchinensis leaves are oblong to elliptic, generally 3-8 cm long, on 1cm leaf stalk, smooth and with a short pointed apex.

Flowering takes place in April-May. Male inflorescence 6-8 mm in diameter, female inflorescence are velvety, on a stalk up to 1 cm. Flowers are yellow, 2-6 mm long on peduncle at the base of leaves.

Cockspur Thorn Fruit

The 1-2 cm in diameter Cockspur Thorn fruit is soft, orange and contains several black seeds. It is an irregularly-shaped berry as large as a small custard apple, edible and of a pleasing taste. Fruit mature in December to January. The fruit is also popular with varied birds and reptiles.

Cockspur Thorn Propagation Methods

Plant propagation is by seed. Seeds germinate easily and dependably within a few weeks. Maclura cochinchinensis is a member of the family Moraceae the genus Maclura. The plant could be employed cautiously as a barrier plant and as nesting habitat for small birds.

Cockspur Thorn, Maclura cochinchinensis

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