Under The Jakfruit Tree

When it comes to the New Guinea Trumpet Vine, the world temporarily returns to its senses. This very attractive liana really is native to New Guinea! Known botanically as Tecomanthe dendrophila (and formerly called T. venusta), it is related to the genera Tecoma and Tecomaria from other parts of the world, but produces larger and showier flowers. In fact, its tubular bloom is 3-4 in. long, pink along the sides and creamy yellow at the throat, maturing to a darker magenta-pink. The flowers grow in large, pendant clusters, made more striking by virtue of emerging directly from the dark older wood, rather than from younger stems.

New Guinea Trumpet Vine has proven hardy in southern Florida. Richard Lyons’ Nursery carries this relatively uncommon species in 3-gal. containers.