Name
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Growth Form | Climber |
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Biogeography
Native Distribution | South East Africa |
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Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Herbaceous vine with a creeping growth habit. |
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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 |
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Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Caterpillar Moth Food Plant (Leaves) |
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Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Bee)) |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
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Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
Pest(s) | Chewing Insects |
Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
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Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower Colour(s) | Orange, Black, Yellow / Golden |
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Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
Flower Location | Axillary |
Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Individual Flower Shape | Stellate / Star-shaped |
Image Repository
Others
Master ID | 222 |
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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. |