Dalechampia dioscoreifolia, commonly known as Costa Rican Butterfly Vine, is an evergreen perennial vine native to the understory of tropical rainforests in Central America and northern South America. It can climb to heights of 12-24 feet (4-7 meters) and spread 8-18 feet (2.4-5.5 meters), often using other vegetation for support. The vine is known for its ornate bracts that surround small, inconspicuous flowers, giving the appearance of large, showy purple blooms. These pseudo-flowers are most prolific during the summer and fall months and attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees.

Costa Rican Butterfly Vine is valued for its striking floral display and is often used in tropical and subtropical gardens as an ornamental plant for trellises, arbors, and fences. It can also be grown in containers where trellising is provided. This vine prefers a humid environment and benefits from regular watering, though it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While generally pest-free, it can occasionally suffer from leaf-chewing insects or fungal diseases in overly moist conditions. It is not known to be invasive outside its native range but should be monitored to ensure it does not outcompete local flora in favorable climates.CC BY-SA 4.0