Grey Nicker
(Guilandina bonduc)
Grey Nicker (Guilandina bonduc)
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Rachel Stringham
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Rachel Stringham
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Rachel Stringham | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Rachel Stringham | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2023-03-15T11:46:12-07:00 |



















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Guilandina bonduc, commonly known as Grey Nicker, is a vigorous, thorny liana native to tropical coastal regions, mangroves, and disturbed areas across the globe. It can grow to lengths of over 20 feet, often sprawling over the ground or climbing over other vegetation with the aid of its curved spines. The plant features large, compound leaves and produces inconspicuous yellow flowers followed by seed pods that contain large, grey, marble-like seeds known as nickernuts, which are often found washed up on beaches.
Grey Nicker is valued for its hardy seeds, which are used in jewelry and crafts. It is also used in traditional medicine and has been studied for its potential pharmacological properties. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soil, moderate water, and full sun to partial shade. Due to its aggressive growth and potential to become invasive, it is not commonly used in gardens but may be found in botanical collections or as a curiosity in private gardens. Care should be taken to control its spread, especially in tropical and subtropical regions outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Grey Nicker is valued for its hardy seeds, which are used in jewelry and crafts. It is also used in traditional medicine and has been studied for its potential pharmacological properties. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soil, moderate water, and full sun to partial shade. Due to its aggressive growth and potential to become invasive, it is not commonly used in gardens but may be found in botanical collections or as a curiosity in private gardens. Care should be taken to control its spread, especially in tropical and subtropical regions outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Vine
- Height: 6-10 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Erosion Control
Natural Habitat
Tropical coastal regions, mangroves, and disturbed areas
Other Names
Common Names: Gray Nicker, Fever Nut
Scientific Names: , Guilandina bonduc, Bonduc canadense, Bonduc minus, Caesalpinia bonduc, Caesalpinia bonduc, Caesalpinia bonducella, Caesalpinia bonducella, Caesalpinia bonducella var. aequiaculeata, Caesalpinia bonducella var. elegans
GBIF Accepted Name: