Bignonia magnifica
Bignonia magnifica, known as glowvine, is a species in the trumpet-vine family, Bignoniaceae. Originally described in the genus "Bignonia" in 1879, it was later transferred to the monotypic genus Saritaea as the sole species Saritaea magnifica, but has since been restored to "Bignonia". It is native to Panama and northern South America (Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela), but has been introduced elsewhere. Description. The stems are almost round in cross-section, and are marked with longitudinal stripes. The 10 cm leaves have two leaflets and a further two leaflet-like appendages at the base of the leaf stalk , plus a tendril at the tip. The leaves are smooth and leathery. The plant is a very spectacular flowering, evergreen tropical climber. The large heads of showy rosy mauve to purple coloured, bell-shaped flowers 8 cm long with hairy yellow throat, borne at the end of the branches often display all year-round. When in flower it is regarded as one of the outstanding climbers of the world. Their nectar is collected by the male bees of the tropical genus "Euglossa", which pollinate the flowers by brushing against the pollen and transferring it. The fruit is a long, flattened  capsule containing two-winged seeds. Cultivation. The plant needs a warm-subtropical or tropical climate to be seen at its best, as well as well-drained moisture-retaining soil with much humus. Propagated from seed and cuttings.