Flame vine
Pyrostegia venusta
This plant climbs using specialized three-parted tendrils that act like tiny grappling hooks, allowing it to scale massive trees to reach sunlight.
- Scientific name
- Pyrostegia venusta
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Lamiales › Bignoniaceae › Pyrostegia
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, scrublands, and urban gardens.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (produces energy via photosynthesis, absorbing sunlight, water, and soil nutrients).
- Range
- Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Australia (introduced), India (introduced)
- Size
- Climbing vine reaching lengths of 10 to 15 meters (33 to 50 feet).
- Lifespan
- Perennial, living for 20 to 50 years.
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Generally secure, though native populations face localized habitat fragmentation; conversely, it can be invasive in non-native ecosystems.
- Safe to approach?
- This species is entirely harmless and safe to approach. You can closely admire its vibrant orange blossoms. However, avoid ingesting any part of the plant, and wash your hands with soap and water if you come into contact with its sap, as it may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Pyrostegia venusta , also commonly known as flamevine or orange trumpetvine , is a plant species of the genus Pyrostegia of the family Bignoniaceae originally endemic to Brazil, but nowadays a well-known garden species.
Photo: alessandradalia, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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