Mysore trumpet vine
Family
Acanthaceae
Origin
Northern India
Description
Thunbergia mysorensis is a stunning, vigorous vine, has pendulous racemes of striking, red and yellow inflorescences. Each flower is up to five centimetres long with showy red bracts. The tubular flowers are bilaterally symmetrical, consisting of five fused petals. The petal tips are coloured red which are reflexed to expose the yellow throat, the large stamens and feathered stigmas.
The stems twine clock-wise and as they mature this produces an ornamental effect, similar to Wisteria floribunda. It will produce single flowers in the axils of the leaves, but to produce its striking pendulous racemes, this climber requires a run of several metres. These inflorescences are often more than 30 cm in length and create a dramatic display. Thunbergia mysorensis originates from a monsoon climate and so requires plenty of water over summer.
Environment
Thunbergia favors quite rich, organic soil and requires structural support. It may need to be cut back often to control direction or size or allow it to roam free if you have the space
Landscape Use
Ideal to cover a fence or pergola.