Description
Form: A twining vine.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen except deciduous at 25°F (-3.9°C).
Growth rate: Moderate to rapid.
Mature Size: 15-30' (4.5-9m) long.
Flowers: Yellow, five petals shaped like ping-pong paddles with ruffled edges. No fragrance.
Bloom: Late spring into early summer, then sporadically to fall.
Fruit: A seed pod, 1.5" (3.8cm) wide, with greenish papery wings aging to tan. If the seed pod is broken apart when mature, its papery wings resemble the shape of a butterfly.
Leaves: Green, smooth, 2" (5cm) long by 1" (2.5cm) wide.
Stems: This vine needs a fence or trellis to climb by twining.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees. The seeds attract birds.
Toxic / Danger: All parts are toxic.
Origin: Baja California, Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: Evergreen in 9b-10. Root hardy in 8b-10 down to 15°F (-9.5°C).
Heat tolerant: This plant needs more frequent watering in high temperatures.
Drought tolerant: This plant needs more frequent watering in high temperatures.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Well draining, dry, pH 5.6-7.8 (acidic to slightly alkaline). Avoid clay soil.
Water once established: Once or twice a month. It needs weekly watering in the hottest months of the year.
Mulch: In fall to protect roots.
Prune: After the last freeze, prune to remove winter damage and trim to keep in bounds.
Litter: Low to moderate. Some flower and pod drop.
Propagation: Seed and cuttings.
Uses: Ornamental on a fence or trellis, privacy screen.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Barbados Cherry family (Malpighiaceae), and closely resembles the species Callaeum septentrionale. Specimens sold in nurseries, and the one pictured here, may actually be C. septentrionale.

---

Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.