Maclura cochinchinensis, commonly known as cockspur thorn, is a species of vine or scrambling shrub in the family Moraceae. The native range extends from China, through Malesia and into Queensland and northern New South Wales. The species inhabits various types of tropical forest: most commonly in monsoon forests. The globular, yellow or orange fruit are sweet and edible and were a traditional food source for Australian Aborigines.
Cocksure thorn or Maclura cochinchinensis is a slow-growing thorny vine native to China, Malesia, Queensland, and New South Wales. The stems grow up to 10 m long and up to 15 cm in diameter. The thorns are present on the nodes. It has been popularly used in ‘batik’ processes in Indonesia. The leaves are oblong and arranged alternately. The fruit is hairy, round, and green but turns yellow-orange as it ripens. The young leaves and fruits can be eaten. The wood is used to treat fevers while root decoction is used against coughs. The heartwood yields yellow dye that is used as an ingredient in traditional ‘soga-batik’ when mixed with other dyes.
