Thursday, July 17, 2008

Thunbergia mysorensis, Lady's Slipper Vine

Thunbergia mysorensis,
Lady's Slipper Vine
This exotic looking climber, a native of the Nilghiri Mountain region of southern India started to flower about a week ago.This was a big surprise to me as it is growing in a forgotten corner and is struggling to grow up through various shrubs .I had given up on it in a pot never thinking it would come to much, as it is from a more tropical climate. After planting it was given no further water or attention.
The flowers could be described as funnel shaped ,golden yellow on the inside and red-brown on the outside. Given more favourable conditions ,the long pendant flowers can reach to a metre in length.They are full of nectar and open in sequence downwards.
There are about 5 more flower spikes to come out so it will be definitely be getting more TLC in the future.
2017 update: Small plants are available in Sydney from the Growing Friends Nursery at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
I have ordered in larger plants for customers from other growers in NSW and freight charges apply to the order.

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