This useful group of ornamental plants should be more extensively used in the Valley. Some of the showier tropicals, such as Bougainvilleas, Flame Vine, Orange Glow, Rangoon Creeper, Paradise Vine and the Thunbergia species are worthy of individual trellises and may be used to hide unsightly buildings, fences and ugly blots on the landscape. Less showy types such as Caracol, Air Potato and Passion Flower may be used on trellises to shade windows and porches. English Ivy, Yerba del Buey and Climbing Fig make excellent ground cover on areas where it is difficult to maintain attractive sod covers. They also make useful covers for brick work or masonry.
Species
Abrus precatorius. Rosary Pea. A dainty vine having finely cut, mimosa-like foliage. It produces small purplish, pea-shaped flowers which are followed by flat seed pods containing bright red beans, each bearing a conspicuous "eye." (Leguminosae.)
Allamanda cathartica var. Hendersoni. Vine Allamanda. This plant produces glossy lanceolate leaves and clear yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. (Apocynaceae.)
Allamanda Williamsii.* William’s Allamanda. This bicolored variety produces yellow trumpet-shaped flowers which are splotched with brownish purple. Allamandas are evergreen vines or semi-climbing shrubs with glossy lanceolate leaves.
Anredera vesceria. Texas Madeira. A rapid growing twining native vine that produces small tubercules in the axils of the leaves by which the plant can be propagated. The leaves are ovate (1-3 inches long), subcordate and short petioled. It produces long, slender racemes of fragrant white flowers. Blooms in late summer. (Baseliaceae.)
Antigonon leptopus. Pink Queen’s Wreath, Corona Vine, Mexican Love Vine. A variety having coral pink flowers, which are borne in great profusion. Very popular. (Polygonaceae.)
Antigonon leptopus var. albus. White Queen’s Wreath. This vine produces blossoms that are white in color and not quite so abundant as the pink variety.
Evergreen, rapid growing vines having tuberous roots. They produce rather large bright green, heart-shaped leaves and showy racemes of small flowers throughout the summer and fall seasons that attract bees and butterflies.
Aristolochia brasiliensis var. macrophylla.* Fighting Cock. A perennial tropical vine that produces large, rounded-ovate leaves and very large yellow and brown peculiarly shaped flowers which have an unpleasant carrion-like odor. A most interesting fly catching, carniverous plant. (Aristolochiaceae.)
Aristolochia grandiflora. Pelican Flower. A Dutchman’s Pipe Vine that produces cordate leaves and large, peculiarly shaped flowers of brown and yellow, veined with purple; and ornamental "parasol" seed capsules. Well adapted.
Aristolochia longiflora. Swan Flower. A member of the Dutchman’s Pipe Vine group that produces deep, tuberous roots, and relatively few lanceolate, grass-like leaves which are green above and reddish brown underneath. The large swan-shaped flowers are brown and yellow with dark veining and splotching. Native to Southwest Texas.
Aristolochia tomentosa.* Woolly Pipe-Vine. A native Texas vine that has become a commercial variety having woolly, heart shaped leaves and small brownish yellow "pipes" followed by conspicuous seed capsules.
There are several species of Dutchman’s Pipe adapted to conditions in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, several of the small flowered varieties being native to Texas.
Asparagus asparagoides (medeoloides). Smilax. A tuberous rooted vine usually having a few thorns. The florist’s Smilax is a tall, branching vine having clusters of tuberous roots. It produces small, stiff, dark green, glossy leaves and greenish-white flowers followed by small, purplish-black berries. It is not to be confused with Smilax officinalis, an economic plant, one form of which yields sarsaparilla. Two species of smilax, S. laurifolia (Laurel leaf), and S. pseude-china (Chinese) are native to Texas. (Liliaceae.)
Asparagus falcatus.* Sickle leafed Asparagus Vine. A large climbing plant having dark green, linear leaves and masses of fragrant white flowers at intervals. The flowers are followed by brown berries.
Asparagus plumosus. Asparagus Lace Fern. An evergreen fern-vine that is well adapted to conditions in this region. Periodically the fern leaves are edged with tiny, fragrant white flowers which are followed by succulent blue-black berries. Extensively grown by commercial florists.
Bignonia violacea. Purple Bignonia. A vigorous vine having glossy dark green, lanceolate, bi-foliate, evergreen leaves and large purple trumpet-shaped flowers. Hardy to cold and very desirable. (Bignoniaceae.)
Bougainvillea glabra var. Sanderiana. Purple Bougainvillea. The common variety having glossy ovate leaves and purple floral bracts and dense bushy vines. Responds well to pruning. B. glabra var. Cypheri is more bush-like, and produces much larger floral bracts. (Nyctaginaceae.)
Bougainvillea spectabilis. Crimson Lake Bougainvillea. A variety having red floral bracts and velvet leaves.
Bougainvillea spectabilis var. lateritia.* Brick-Red Bougainvillea. A variety having deep brick-dust (rust) colored floral bracts.
Bougainvillea spectabilis var. rosa speciosa. Rose Bougainvillea. A variety having deep pink to rose colored floral bracts. Well adapted and very attractive.
Bougainvillea spectabilis var. praetorius. Tangerine Bougainvillea. A variety having tangerine colored floral bracts. Well adapted and very desirable. Both species having sharp thorns.
Boussingaltea baselloides. Gulf Madeira Vine. A native vine that is similar to the cultivated species, except that it has shorter and more crowded spikes of small, fragrant, white flowers. It produces dark green, lanceolate leaves. This species blooms later in the season than the cultivated type. (Baseliaceae.)
Calonyction aculeatum (Ipomoea Bona-Nox). White Flowered Moon-Vine. A rapid growing perennial vine that produces large, dark green ovate leaves, large trumpet-shaped, fragrant white flowers that open at night, and seed capsules containing several small, dark seed. Well adapted. Dies down in winter. (Convolvulaceae.)
Calonyction aculeatum. Blue Flowered Moon-Vine. This vine produces thin, ovate leaves and large, sky-blue flowers. Not as well adapted as the White flowered variety.
Campsis (Tecoma, Bignonia) chinensis (grandiflora). Chinese Trumpet-Creeper. A deciduous vine having a woody stem that climbs by means of disc-like attachments. It produces dull green, pinnate leaves, and long racemes of large light orange colored trumpet-shaped flowers which are followed by a few long seed pods. A very desirable species. Propagated by grafting. (Bignoniaceae.)
Campsis (Tecoma, Bignonia) radicans. Trumpet-Creeper. A woody, deciduous bignonia vine that is native to the Rio Grande Valley. It climbs by means of disc-like attachments, and is adapted for use on brick or masonry walls. This vine produces dull green, pinnate foliage, and during the summer, a profusion of small, orange-red trumpet-shaped flowers on the tips of the branches. The flowers are followed by long pods filled with winged seed.
Cardiospermum Corindum. Balloon Vine. A hardy native vine which produces three-foliate leaves, numerous small white flowers in the fall, followed by balloon-like capsules (1 inch in diameter) which contain a few black seeds bearing a heart-shaped white spot. This is the perennial species that is recommended for use as an ornamental. (Sapindaceae.)
Cissus arborea.* Pepper Vine. A rapid growing native vine, having a rosy tint on the new growth, that produces pinnate leaves, inconspicuous yellow flowers and clusters of red berries. Will make excellent growth in almost any location. (Vitaceae.)
Cissus incisa. Cow Itch, Yerba del Buey. A native evergreen vine that belongs to the grape family. It produces thick, wavy edged, ivy-like leaves, inconspicuous greenish flowers and a profusion of succulent bluish-black berries. Excellent wall cover as a substitute for ivy. Rapid growing; gives off an unpleasant odor when crushed. (Vitaceae.)
Clematis Armandi. Armand’s Clematis. A variety having deep green, heavy veined ovate leaves, and white flowers. Appears to be well adapted. (Ranunculaceae.)
Clematis crispa.* Curly (Blue) Clematis. A variety having pinnate leaves; solitary purple to whitish flowers (1 inch long) with crisp recurved sepals and hairy fruits.
Clematis Drummondii. Texas Virgin’s-Bower, Old Man’s Beard. A native vine having perennial roots; small bright green, notched leaflets; numerous small, cream-colored flowers; and plumed, silky white seed. Clematis paniculata. Japanese Clematis. A vigorous growing variety having dark green, pinnate leaves (1"-4" long); numerous fragrant white flowers and plumose fruits.
Clematis Simsii (Pitcheri).* Red Clematis. A native to the river bottoms of South Texas having small, bright green, notched leaves; numerous small flowers having reddish sepals; red stems; and masses of plumose fruits.
Clematis texensis (coccinea).* Scarlet Clematis. A variety having pinnate leaves and scarlet flowers which are produced during the summer. Native to East Texas.
Clerodendrum speciosum. Red Clerodendrum. A variety producing ovate leaves and racemes of rosy-red flowers which fade to rosy-rust, and remain on the vine for some time. Very desirable. (Verbenaceae.)
Clerodendrum Thomasonae (Balfouri). Thompson’s Glory Bower, Bag Flower. This perennial clerodendrum has dark green stems, medium sized, dark green ovate leaves and showy racemes of bright red flowers enclosed in a pure white, bag-like calyx. Both are evergreen.
Clitoria ternata. Snail Vine, Texas Butterfly Pea, Mexican Pea. A small vine (5 to 6 feet high) having a perennial root. It produces dark green, pinnate leaves and large deep blue, pea-shaped flowers which are followed by tan seed pods. Well adapted and very attractive. (Leguminosae.)
Clytostoma callistegioides (Bignonia speciosa). Painted Trumpet. An evergreen, climbing bignonia, having lustrous, oblong bi-foliate leaves (2"-3" long) and tubular, lavender-streaked flowers with spreading lobes. Well adapted and quite desirable. (Bignoniaceae.)
Cocculus. Both species of Cocculus that are native to Texas have perennial roots, and produce the typical, twisted seeds within the fruits. C. Carolinus (Coralvine) produces wire-like, dark green stems, ovate leaves, small clusters of yellowish flowers in summer, and numeros bright red berries that remain on the vine for considerable periods of time. C. diversifolius (Snail-Seed) differs from the former in that it produces smaller, deeply-lobed leaves and a few large, green, succulent fruits. (Menispermaceae.)
Combretum grandiflorum. Combretum, P. I. 72993. An evergreen vine that produces medium to dark green, ovate leaves and showy panicles of orange-red flowers. Well adapted and very attractive. (Combretaceae.)
Convolvulus japonicus. Asiatic Double Morning-Glory, California Rose. A spreading, vine-like plant having perennial roots. It produces dull green long ovate leaves, and double pink morning-glory flowers. (Convolvulaceae.)
Cryptostegia grandiflora. Malay Rubber Vine. An evergreen vine that produces glossy, deep green, lanceolate leaves and tubular lavender flowers with deeper markings. This vine contains latex. Sometimes called Purple Allamanda or Blue Allamanda. (Aslepiadaceae.)
Cryptostegia madagascariensis. Madagascar Rubber Vine. An evergreen vine having bluish-green, lanceolate leaves. During the summer it produces clustered, purplish-white, funnel-shaped flowers. Sometimes called Blue Allamanda. This vine contains latex. Well adapted and quite ornamental.
Cucurbita foetidissima.* Wild Gourd. A native vine that arises from a perennial root. It produces long, creeping stems, large, dull green leaves, small, yellow cucurbit flowers and numerous, strong scented, pale yellow gourds. Drought resistant. (Cucurbitaceae.)
Cydista aequinoctialis. Purple Bignonia, Equinox Flower. An evergreen vine having bright green, lanceolate, bi-foliate leaves that have the odor of garlic. The tubular flowers are lavender with white throats. Well adapted to the Valley. (Bignoniaceae.)
Derris scandens. Derris. An introduction from the U. S. D. A. A rapid growing graceful vine that produces glossy, dark green, pinnate leaves and a profusion of pale pink flowers in open clusters which are followed by small tan seed pods. Well adapted. (Leguminosae.)
Dioscorea Batatas. Cinnamon Vine, Chinese Yam. A small tuberous rooted annual vine having a perennial root. It produces dark green, wedge-shaped leaves and very small clusters of cinnamon-scented white flowers which are followed by small, oblong, tan tubers. Dies down in winter. Well adapted. (Dioscoreaceae.)
Dioscorea bulbifera. Air Potato. A vigorous growing, dark green, annual vine that produces large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves that are beautifully veined. The greenish flower tassels are inconspicuous and are followed by potato-like fruits that cling to the vine for a considerable period of time. Well adapted.
Distictis lactiflora (cinera).* Twice-Dotted Vine. A tall growing bignonia vine that produces grayish-green, lanceolate leaflets, and numerous purplish tubular flowers (2 to 3-1/2 inches long). Well adapted. (Bignoniaceae.)
Doxantha (Bignonia) unguis-cati. Yellow Bignonia, Catsclaw Vine. A native, evergreen vine that climbs by means of disc-like attachments of the stems. It has small, dark green, bi-foliate leaves and tubular yellow flowers. (Bignoniaceae.)
Ficus pumila (repens). Climbing Fig. An evergreen, creeping vine well adapted for use on brick or stucco walls. The vines have small, glossy, dark green, ovate leaves, and grow more rapidly than English Ivy. Well adapted and quite popular. (Moraceae.)
Gelsemium sempervirens. Carolina Yellow Jasmine. A slow growing evergreen vine that produces small, dark green, glossy, lanceolate leaves (1-3 inches long). During the spring, it bears small clusters of fragrant, bright yellow flowers. Native to East Texas, and well adapted to Valley conditions. Not widely used. (Loganiaceae.)
Hedera Helix. English Ivy. A very slow growing, evergreen ivy that produces dark green, veined, triangular leaves, inconcpicuous flowers and a few globular, black fruits. Variegated English Ivy (H. Helix var. marginata) is similar to the former variety, except that the leaves are irregularly motled with ivory white. (Araliaceae.)
Ibervillea Lindheimeri. Wild Balsam Apple. This heavy underground native tuber produces delicate, trailing, bright green stems, bright green, deeply cut and notched leaves; small, yellow, cucurbit flowers and small (1-inch long) fruits having the appearance of tiny green watermelons, until they turn bright red in late summer. (Cucurbitaceae.)
Iopmoea cairica. Mexican Lavender Morning-Glory. Probably an escape from Mexico. This vigorous growing vine produces bright green, digitate, evergreen foliage, large lavender morning-glory flowers and few to no seed pods. Roots by layering, and may become a weed pest. (Convolvulaceae.)
Ipomoea hirsutula. Mexican Sky Blue Morning-Glory. A native annual vine having large, perennial tubers. The small, spreading plants produce three-lobed leaves, small, sky blue morning-glories and no seed.
Ipomoea Leari. Blue Dawn Flower. A native, perennial vine that propagates only by layering. It produces heart-shaped dark green, lobed leaves; large, bright blue morning-glories and no seed. Well adapted. Probably an escape from Mexico.
Ipomoea Pes-Caprae. Lavender Goatfoot (Beach) Morning-Glory. This is a species of Beach Morning-Glory that is found growing along the Gulf Coast. It produces large, bright green, thick, ovate leaves; heavy prostrate stems and branches; and large morning-glory flowers. No seed have been observed; the plant seeming to propagate from perennial roots. This species produces medium to large size lavender flowers.
Ipomoea purpurea. Common (Japanese) Morning-Glory. This species represents the commonly grown, commercial morning-glory vines. The plant is an annual that produces dark green, lobed, ovate leaves; vari-colored flowers, and small, top-shaped seed capsules. Well adapted and least objectionable of the morning-glory vines.
Ipomoea setosa var. Pavoni. Brazilian Purple Morning-Glory. A species that was probably introduced from Mexico. This vine has perennial roots; produces large, dark green, deeply lobed leaves; large, deep purple flowers borne on bristly stems; and very prickly seed capsules. Well adapted.
Ipomoea stolonifera. Yellow Beach Morning-Glory. This species of Beach morning-glory produces thick, bright green, ovate leaves, heavy prostrate stems and large, yellowish flowers.
Ipomoea trichocarpa. Small Pink Morning-Glory. A native annual vine that comes from a perennial root. It produces small, medium green, three lobed leaves, and medium to small, rose colored flowers having darker colored centers. May become a weed pest.
Ipomoea tricolor. Tricolor (Heavenly Blue) Morning-Glory. A perennial vine having medium, green, slightly lobed leaves and large, sky blue flowers. Produces seed. Produces few flowers in this region and is not well adapted.
Ipomoea trifida var. Torreyana. Common Bluish Morning-Glory. A small native vine having perennial roots. It produces small, ovate, medium green leaves; bluish white flowers having recurved edges and purple centers; and numerous seed capsules. May become a seed pest.
Morning-Glory and Moon Vines are well adapted to conditions in the lowers Rio Grande Valley, and several species of ornamental value are native to this region. Others are noxious weed pests.
Jasminum dichotomum.* Gold Coast Jasmine. A dark green, leathery-leafed jasmine that produces ovate leaves and few flowered cymes of small white flowers. Well adapted and rather popular. (Oleaceae.)
Jasminum gracillimum. Slender (Pin Wheel) Jasmine. A dense evergreen, climbing vine that produces dark green, glossy ovate leaves (2 inches long), and slightly fragrant, "pin wheel," white flowers, which are borne gracefully along the arches branches. Well adapted and quite desirable.
Jasminum pubescens.* Pubescens Jasmine. A dense, evergreen, climbing vine having pubescent, dark green, ovate leaves and a profusion of small clusters of white flowers (1 inch in diameter).
Lonicera japonica var. Halliana. Trumpet (Coral) Honeysuckle. This slow growing vine produces leaves somewhat larger than those of the Japanese variety, and the showy, coral red and yellow tubular flowers are somewhat larger. Weak growing. (Caprifoliaceae.)
Lonicera sempervirens. Japanese Honeysuckle. A dense, evergreen vine having dark green, oblong leaves that produces clusters of very fragrant yellow and white flowers. Rapid growing and well adapted.
Lycium carolinianum var. quadrifidum. Gulf Coast Matrimony Vine. A semi-climbing, vine-like, native shrub having dark green, divided leaves and clusters of small deep purple or white flowers followed by clusters of bright red fruits (1/4 inch in diameter). Well adapted and quite generally used. (Solanaceae.)
Maurandia antirrhiniflora. Vine Snapdragon. An annual native vine having a perennial root. This dainty little vine produces small, bright green, triangular leaves and deep blue, snapdragon flowers having white centers which are followed by small tan seed capsules. Well adapted. (Scrophulariaceae.)
Momordica Balsimina. Balsam Apple. A rapid growing annual vine that produces delicate stems, cut and lobed bright green, thin leaves; cream colored, cucurbit flowers which are followed by large, bright red, tuberculate fruits containing seeds surrounded by a thick red jelly. (Cucurbitaceae.)
Operculina dissecta.* Alamo Vine. A tall growing vine having a perennial root. This vine is native to the area around San Antonio, Texas. The leaves are five to seven-lobed, and have wavy edges. The morning-glory flowers are creamy white with dark red centers; seed capsules are large and contain several black seeds. This vine covers most of the walls of the historic Alamo (Convolvulaceae.)
Pandorea (Tecoma) Ricasoliana. Pandora Vine. An evergreen bignonia vine that produces medium green leaves having seven leaflets, and panicles of light pink tubular flowers which are streaked with red. (Bignoniaceae.)
Parthenocissus (Ampelopsis) quinquifolia. Virginia Creeper, Woodbine. This species is found growing in East Texas; and P. heptaphylla is found in Southwest Texas. The plant resembles a grape vine, but the leaves turn reddish during the fall season. The greenish, inconspicuous flowers are followed by bluish-black fruits. (Vitaceae.)
Parthenocissus tricuspidata. Boston Ivy. This ivy is a member of the grape family. It produces shining, bright green, cordate leaves, inconspicuous greenish flowers, and globular, bluish-black fruits. This vine is deciduous, the leaves turning reddish tan before falling.
Passiflora edulis. Purple Granadilla. A tall, woody climber having large white flowers with purple markings at the base of the crown; oval melon shaped fruit (2-3 inches long) having a hard, purple-colored rind and sweet scented pulp. This species has large, bright green deeply cut leaves. (Passifloraceae.)
Passiflora foetida var. gossypifolia. White Passion Flower. A native vine having dull green, three-lobed leaves; greenish, fringed flowers and pale green, puffy seed capsules.
Passiflora incarnata. Maypop. A perennial vine that produces white flowers (1-1/2 inches in diameter), having prominent, purplish stamens, and yellow ovoid fruits about two inches long. Well adapted.
Passiflora lutea. Yellow Passion Flower. A native variety having dull green, three-lobed leaves; small, greenish colored, fringed flowers (1/2 inch in diameter); and dark blue fruits the size of marbles. Blooms in late summer and fall.
Pereskia aculeata. Blade Apple, Lemon Vine, Barbados Gooseberry, White Bougainvillea. A vine belonging to the Cactua family that produces dark green, glossy foliage somewhat similar to the Bougainvillea vine. This vigorous growing, thorny plant produces bright green, ovate leaves and small greenish white flowers, which are followed by small, succulent, yellow fruits. Should be pruned regularly. (Cactaceae.)
Petrea volubilis. Purple Wreath. An evergreen, woody vine that produces rough, thick, ovate to oblong leaves and long racemes of deep blue flowers. Well adapted but difficult to propagate. (Verbenaceae.)
Phaseolus Caracalla. Caracol, Snailflower. An evergreen vine having dark green, tri-foliate leaves. The large, light blue, pea-shaped flowers have a conspicuous, shining white keel twisted into the center of the flower. (Leguminosae.)
Polygonum Auberti. Silver Lace Vine. A perennial vine that behaves as an annual above ground. It produces thick, broadly ovate, deep green foliage. In late summer and fall, the vine is covered with a mass of greenish-white flower clusters. The entire plant, even the large tuberous roots, have a disagreeable odor. Well adapted and quite attractive in appearance. (Polygonaceae.)
Porana paniculata. Snow Creeper. A perennial climbing vine that produces dull green, ovate leaves. In the fall, this vine produces a profusion of very small white flowers in dense clusters. Sometimes called White Corallita. Slow growing. (Convolvulaceae.)
Pueraria Thunbergiana (hirsuta). Kudzu. A vigorous growing leguminous vine having perennial roots. It produces hairy stems, large, deep green ovate leaves and small spikes of purple, pea-shaped flowers. This vine is propagated by layering. It makes an excellent vine for pasture fenches, as it is also a good forage crop. (Leguminosae.)
Pyrostegia (Bignonia) venusta. Flame Vine. An evergreen vine that produces glossy, bright green usually bi-foliate leaves. In late winter and early spring, the plants produces numerous orange-colored tubular flowers which are borne in crowded panicles. This is one of the showiest of the tropical vines, adapted for use in the Lower Rio Grande Valley, and should be extensively used. (Bignoniaceae.)
Quamoclit coccinea var. hederifolia. Star (Small Red) Morning-Glory. Possibly an escape from Mexico. This native annual vine produces small, three-lobed leaves, small, showy, bright red flowers and tan seed pods. Well adapted. (Convolvulaceae.)
Quamoclit pennata. Cypress Vine. A rapid growing, dainty annual vine that produces dark green, finely cut foliage and numerous small, deep red tubular flowers. Easily grown from seed.
Quisqualis indica. Rangoon Creeper. An evergreen, tropical vine having bright green lanceolate leaves and fragrant, white flower spikes that turn red in the late afternoon. Well adapted and quite desirable. (Combretaceae.)
Rhynchosia phaseoloides (precatoria). Rosary Bean. A rapid growing hardy vine that produces dark green, tri-foliate, bean-like leaves, small yellow flowers and seed pods containing bright red beans, each marked with a conspicuous spot. (Leguminosae.)
Sechium edule. Chayote. A climbing, hairy, perennial cucurbit that produces large, dark green, three-lobed leaves and small yellowish flowers which are followed by large, ribbed, light green, pear-shaped fruits. The fruits may be eaten raw as cucumbers or cooked like summer squash. (Cucurbitaceae.)
Senecio confusus (kermesinus). Orange Glow, Dahlia Vine, Mucklei, Hidalgoa. An evergreen, rapid growing vine that has been introduced from Mexico. It produces dark green, glossy ovate leaves with wavy margins and clusters of orange and red composite flowers in great profusion. This vine has occasionally been called Mexican Flame Vine. Well adapted and very desirable. (Compositae.)
Serjania incisa. Serjania. A perennial vine that resembles Clematis Drummondii but produces darker green pinnate foliage and remains green throughout the year. In the fall, it produces spikes of white flowers followed by peculiar, highly colored, wafer-like seed. (Sapindaceae.)
Solandra guttata. Chalice Vine, Copa de Oro. A vigorous tropical vine or climbing shrub that has been introduced from Mexico. It produces glossy oblong leaves (2 to 6 inches long) and large, fragrant, light yellow, tubular flowers which are marked with purple. Well adapted and very desirable. (Solanaceae.)
Solanum jasminoides. Jasmine Nightshade. A vine having pinnate leaves composed of small ovate leaflets, and producing numerous clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers, followed by black fruits. (Solanaceae.)
Solanum Wendlandii. Costa Rican Nightshade, Paradise Vine. A tender, perennial, evergreen vine having bright green divided leaves and spiny stems and branches. It produces large clusters of light, blue, solanum flowers that remain on the vine for several weeks. This vine is well adapted, makes rapid growth and is easily propagated from cuttings.
Tetrastigma Harmandii. Tetrastigma. This vigorous growing vine is a member of the grape family. It is recommended for use along the coast because of its resistance to salt injury. The deeply cut leaves are bright green; its fruits are said to be similar to those of the Scuppernong variety. Appears to be well adapted. (Vitaceae.)
Thunbergia alata. Black-Eyed-Susan-Clock-Vine. An evergreen vine having slightly rough, medium sized, medium green, ovate leaves and a continuous bloom of yellowish flowers (1 inch in diameter) having black centers. Occasionally, a vine will produce white flowers. Well adapted and grows readily from seed. (Acanthaceae.)
Thunbergia fragrans. Fragrant Clock-Vine. An evergreen, tropical vine that produces medium sized, dark green, notched, ovate leaves and medium to small white flowers.
Thunbergia grandiflora. Blue Bengal Clock-Vine. An evergreen, tropical vine that produces medium sized, dark green, notched, ovate leaves and large, pale blue flowers. Well adapted and very popular.
Thunbergia grandiflora alba. White Bengal Clock-Vine. A very tender, evergreen vine having woody stems; large, dark green, notched leaves and long racemes of large, white flowers. Well adapted and very showy.
Tournefortia volubilis. This attractive native vine produces dark green lanceolate foliage and numerous cymes of white flowers which are followed by small milk-white seed having black geometric marking. (Boraginaceae.)
Trachelospermum (Rhynchospermum) jasminoides. Confederate (Star) Jasmine. This dense, evergreen, climbing vine produces dark green, glossy ovate leaves (1 inch long), and in the spring, a mass of clustered fragrant white flowers. Very popular. (Apocynaceae.)
Wisteria floribunda. Japanese Wisteria. Similar to the Chinese Wisteria in appearance but having brighter green foliage, and longer racemes of blossoms which are violet to purple in color. There is a white flowered variety. The Japanese Wisteria sheds its leaves earlier than the Chinese and blooms several weeks later in the spring. Slow growing. (Leguminosae.)
Wisteria (Millettia) japonica. Japanese Millettia, Evergreen Wisteria. An evergreen wisteria that produces dark green, glossy lanceolate leaflets and a profusion of deep purplish violet to wine colored, pea-shaped flowers in upright spikes. This vine produces a profusion of flowers throughout the spring and summer, followed by seed pods. This plant is the most desirable for use in the Valley.
Wisteria sinensis. Chinese Wisteria. A deciduous plant having pinnate foliage; numerous bluish-purple, pea-shaped flowers borne in heavy, short drooping racemes. Blooms before leafing out in the spring. Slow growing.
*Not grown on the Experiment Station
Ornamentals for the Rio Grande Valley