About Bignonia magnifica W.Bull
Bignonia magnifica W.Bull is an evergreen tropical climber with showy flowers. Its stems are almost round in cross-section and marked with longitudinal stripes. Its 10 cm leaves have two leaflets, an additional two leaflet-like appendages at the base of the leaf stalk, and a tendril at the tip. The leaves are smooth and leathery. Large clusters of bell-shaped flowers, measuring 8 cm long, grow at the ends of branches. The flowers range in color from rosy mauve to purple and have a hairy yellow throat; blooms often appear year-round. When flowering, this species is considered one of the most outstanding climbing plants in the world. In its native range, male bees of the tropical genus Euglossa collect nectar from its flowers, and pollinate the blooms by brushing against pollen and transferring it to the flower stigma. The fruit is a long, flattened capsule that holds two-winged seeds. To grow at its best, this plant requires a warm subtropical or tropical climate, as well as well-drained, moisture-retaining soil with high humus content. It can be propagated from seed and cuttings.
