Caesalpinia decapetala is a thorny climbing shrub with both ornamental and traditional medicinal value

Caesalpinia decapetala is a deciduous climbing shrub in the genus Caesalpinia, family Fabaceae, and is fairly common on hillside thickets, forest edges and roadsides south of the Yangtze River in China. Its branches are densely covered with recurved sharp thorns, so among the general public it is also often called Yama's thorn or ox-king thorn, making it a highly recognizable wild plant.

In appearance, Caesalpinia decapetala has bipinnately compound leaves, and the branches and leaves are often covered with fine hairs. In late spring and early summer each year, it produces clusters of yellow flowers with spreading petals and bright color, very striking against the green leaves; after flowering it bears oblong pods, which contain several seeds when ripe.

The uses of Caesalpinia decapetala are rather varied. In landscaping, it can climb trellises and walls, and can also be pruned into a thorn hedge, providing both flowers to view and a protective function; in traditional medicine, both its seeds and roots have recorded medicinal uses, mostly for relieving cough and reducing phlegm, dispelling wind and killing parasites, and specific use should be discussed with a professional physician; do not gather and eat it on your own.

As for cultivation, Caesalpinia decapetala prefers a warm environment with plenty of sunlight, tolerates drought and poor soil, is not demanding about soil, and is relatively low-maintenance in daily care, making it suitable for growing in courtyards or along fences. Note that its branches bear many sharp thorns, so planting sites should avoid places where people and livestock pass frequently, and protection should be worn when pruning.