Black-Eyed Susan Vine
(Thunbergia alata)
Black-Eyed Susan Vine (Thunbergia alata)
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Photo by: user:Jeffdelonge | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0 | Uploader: Jeffdelonge | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Starr_010419_0035_thunbergia_alata.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description=Rasen-Thymian (''Thymus caespititius'') - Leafs |Source=self-made, selbst fotografiert |Date=18. März 2008 |Author= [[User:Ixitixel|Ixitixel]] |Permission= |other_versions= }} |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Thunbergia alata, commonly known as Black-eyed Susan Vine, is a fast-growing herbaceous perennial vine native to Eastern Africa, specifically in regions such as Kenya and Ethiopia, where it thrives in open woodlands and scrub areas. It has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including Australia and the Americas. The vine can reach up to 5 meters (16 ft) in height in warmer zones, or it may grow much less as a container plant or when cultivated as an annual in cooler climates. The plant features twining stems with heart or arrow-shaped leaves that are 3.5 to 7.5 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide, triangular to heart-shaped, with wavy edges and hairy surfaces.
Black-eyed Susan Vine is celebrated for its vibrant, mostly orange-yellow flowers that have five petals and a dark center, resembling the eyes of the species’ namesake. The flowers are quite showy and bloom throughout the growing season, providing a long-lasting display of color. It is commonly used for ornamental purposes, such as covering trellises, fences, and arbors, and is also suitable for hanging baskets and container gardening. The plant prefers humus-rich soil with some sand for good drainage and requires regular watering, though it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it is easy to propagate from seed or cuttings, soaking the seeds overnight in warm water can enhance germination rates. Light trimming can encourage a bushier growth habit and more blossoms. However, gardeners should be cautious as Thunbergia alata can become invasive outside its native range, potentially outcompeting local flora.CC BY-SA 4.0
Black-eyed Susan Vine is celebrated for its vibrant, mostly orange-yellow flowers that have five petals and a dark center, resembling the eyes of the species’ namesake. The flowers are quite showy and bloom throughout the growing season, providing a long-lasting display of color. It is commonly used for ornamental purposes, such as covering trellises, fences, and arbors, and is also suitable for hanging baskets and container gardening. The plant prefers humus-rich soil with some sand for good drainage and requires regular watering, though it is somewhat drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in full sun to partial shade. While it is easy to propagate from seed or cuttings, soaking the seeds overnight in warm water can enhance germination rates. Light trimming can encourage a bushier growth habit and more blossoms. However, gardeners should be cautious as Thunbergia alata can become invasive outside its native range, potentially outcompeting local flora.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Vine
- Height: 3-8 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Yellow, Orange
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands and scrub areas in Eastern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Black-Eyed Susan Vine, Schwarzäugige Susanne, Ojitos Negros, Suzanne Aux Yeux Noirs, Amarelinha, Bunda-De-Mulata, Cu-De-Cachorro, Suzana-Dos-Olhos-Negros, Svartöga, Anteojo De Poeta
Scientific Names: , Thunbergia alata, Thunbergia alata var. vixalata, Thunbergia alata var. alba, Thunbergia alata var. albiflora, Thunbergia albiflora, Thunbergia bikimaensis, Endomelas alata, Thunbergia alata var. retinervia, Thunbergia aurantiaca
GBIF Accepted Name: Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims