Thunbergia mysorensis, also called Mysore trumpetvine or Indian clock vine, is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae. A woody-stemmed evergreen, this vine can be found in Spain (south) and in southern tropical India. The specific epithet mysorensis is derived from the city of Mysore. Other regional vernacular names include brick & butter vine, lady's slipper vine, and dolls' shoes due to the flower shape and large size.
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Thunbergia
Species: T. mysorensis
Description
Thunbergia mysorensis often reaches 6 metres (20 ft) and has long narrow medium green leaves. The dramatic and very large pendent hanging blossoms have individual flowers in a bold curved shaped. This is enhanced by their being a rich saturated yellow, with maroon to brownish red outer tip coloring. The vine blooms from Spring to Autumn.
Cultivation
Thunbergia mysorensis is cultivated as a popular ornamental plant in tropical and sub-tropical gardens, conservatories and greenhouses. It grows quickly in frost-free temperate climates, such as coastal Southern California, with flowers draping down from pergolas and other garden structures. Its sweet nectar is attractive to sunbirds, a very small passerine bird, and hummingbirds.
This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
