All flowers
Cruel Vine Flower Wikimedia Commons
Apocynaceae

Cruel Vine Flower

Araujia sericifera

Entrapment and tenacity.

Family
Apocynaceae
Genus
Araujia
Native to
South America, Brazil, Peru
Bloom season
Summer, Autumn
Type
Evergreen vine
Height
5-8 meters
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Well-drained, fertile
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
8-11
Lifespan
Perennial

Did you know

  • The name 'cruel vine' comes from the flowers trapping moths by their proboscis when they visit at night.
  • Trapped moths eventually die, though they do pollinate the flowers before succumbing.
  • The seed pods resemble large pear-shaped fruits and burst open to release silky-haired seeds.
  • It is considered a serious invasive weed in Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Mediterranean.
  • The milky sap was traditionally used in South America as a remedy for warts.

Color meanings

0

Deception

1

Persistence

2

Tenacity

Uses

  • Ornamental vine
  • Traditional medicine