Bignonia aequinoctialis - Bejuco colorado
Family:
Native to:
Habitat:
Bignoniaceae
Western and southern Central America, northern South America, the Caribbean.
Moist or wet tropical thickets. Up to 2000 meters above sea level. Vine, can grow up to 20 meters.
Ecological value:
Attaches to other plants via tendrils, flowers twice a year during the spring and fall. Ornamental plant. Flowers start dark purple and turn lighter overtime. Flowers attract birds and pollinators including butterflies and bees.
Material uses:
Plant harvested for fiber, basket making and fish tackling material. True tannins are not found in species of the Bignoniaceae family. Pigments are generally anthocyanins, carotenoids and flavones.
Edible uses:
No record on this species.
Medicinal use:
Stem, bark, and leaves used to treat sore knees.
Other details:
Prefers a sandy, well draining light soil. Can be used to cover fences and walls. The flower has a garlic-like scent. Bigonia belongs to the family of Bignoniaceae, known as trumpet vines. The family consists of many lianas and are primarily valued as ornamental species.
Research:
Sam Schillinger/Christine Facella
Sources:
“Bignonia Aequinoctialis L. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science.” n.d. Plants of the World Online. Accessed November 27, 2023. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:108550-1.
“PlantFiles: The Largest Plant Identification Reference Guide - Dave’s Garden.” n.d. Davesgarden.com. Accessed November 7, 2023. https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/119636.
“Bignonia Aequinoctialis - Useful Tropical Plants.” n.d. Tropical.theferns.info. Accessed November 7, 2023. https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Bignonia+aequinoctialis.
“Bignoniaceae.” 2022. Wikipedia. March 18, 2022. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bignoniaceae.
Image source: Jayesh Patil