Description
Form: A twining vine.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen except deciduous at 25°F.
Growth rate: Moderate to rapid.
Mature Size: 15-30' 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" wide, with greenish papery wings aging to tan. If the seed pod is broken
apart when mature, its papery wings resemble butterflies.
Leaves: Green, smooth, 2" long by 1" wide.
Stems: No thorns. It needs a fence or trellis to climb.
Wildlife: Attracts bees and 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.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Somewhat.
Sun: Full sun.
Water once established: Once or twice a month. It needs weekly watering in the hottest
months of the year.
Soil: Well drained, dry, pH 5.6-7.8 (acidic to slightly alkaline). Avoid clay soil.
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.
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, 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.