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Thunbergia alata

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Thunbergia alata

Family Name: Acanthaceae
Common Name: Black-eyed Susan

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Climber

Biogeography

Native Distribution South East Africa

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Herbaceous vine with a creeping growth habit.
Foliage Heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves with smooth or toothed edges. Leaves are covered in soft hairs.
Flowers Yellow to orange, star-shaped flowers are composed of 5 squarish to obovate petals. Petal tips are approximately truncate, but have a curved indentation in the middle. The inside of the floral tube is lined with a purplish black or dark maroon colour. Flowers occur singly in the leaf axils. The flowers reflect UV light in a pattern that helps pollinating insects find the center of the flower.
Fruit The fruit is approximately round, but has a long, pointed beak like that of a bird.
Habitat Often found along forest margins.
Etymology The genus 'Thunbergia' is named after Carl Peter Thunberg, a Swedish doctor who studied under Carl Linnaeus.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna Caterpillar Moth Food Plant (Leaves)
Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee))

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Fast
Pest(s) Chewing Insects
Propagation Method Stem Cutting

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Orange, Black, Yellow / Golden
Flower Texture(s) Smooth
Flower Location Axillary
Flower Symmetry Radial
Individual Flower Shape Stellate / Star-shaped

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 222
Species ID 1518
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 19 August 2021.
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