Cape honeysuckle - Tecoma capensis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Cape honeysuckle

Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) is a flowering plant native to South Africa. Despite the word honeysuckle occurring in its common name, the cape honeysuckle is not related to the honeysuckle. Cape honeysuckle is often planted in garden hedgerows and is considered an invasive species in some regions.

Scientific classification

Species

Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Vine

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Mid winter, Late winter

Harvest Time

2 m to 3 m

Plant Height

2 m to 3 m

Spread

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Fall, Winter

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Cape honeysuckle

Distribution of Cape honeysuckle

Distribution Map

Cape honeysuckle's native range is from Tanzania to South Africa. Its introduction has been worldwide but not widespread. Cape honeysuckle's native ecosystem is temperate, tropical regions. It's considered invasive in Australia, New Zealand. It grows in bushes and occasionally appears on the edge of the forest.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Forest margins, Dry scrub, Woodland

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Cape honeysuckle (Tecoma capensis) is a popular ornamental plant grown in private gardens and parks for its abundant red flowers which are great attractors of birds and, bees, and butterflies. This plant is salt-tolerant and is therefore suitable for coastal gardens. It makes a good dwarf hedge or groundcover and can be trained against fences and trellises. Grow cape honeysuckle with other salt-tolerant plants like ornamental grasses and yew.

Symbolism

Subconscious power of truth, pure intention

Interesting Facts

A scientific study has shown that cape honeysuckle contains valuable compounds that are able to kill disease-causing fungi like *Candida albicans, *which causes thrush and yeast infections. In addition, the plant also has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activity. The compound can be isolated by extractions from the cape honeysuckle leaves. This may be why traditional healers historically used the plant to relieve pain.

Name Story

Cape honeysuckle: Despite the common name Cape honeysuckle for this species, it is not closely related to the true honeysuckle, Lonicera spp. The specific epithet, capensis means 'of or from the Cape', which is referring to the native range in the Cape of South Africa.

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Toxicity

Cape honeysuckle is mildly toxic to both cats and dogs. All parts of cape honeysuckle are harmful when ingested in high amounts, leading to symptoms of physical discomfort. Pet owners should monitor and prevent access to cape honeysuckle. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if ingestion is suspected to ensure pets' well-being and health.

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Quickly Identify Cape honeysuckle

Trumpet-shaped flowers in vibrant red, orange, yellow, or salmon shades.

Odd-pinnately compound leaves with 5-9 ovate, serrated, dark green leaflets.

Fruit capsules 3-7 inches (7.6-17.8 cm) long, light brown, with winged seeds.

Gray, flexible stems without thorns, growing up to 30 feet (9.1 meters).

Leaves glossy, glabrous, dentate, evergreen, smooth, and shiny, creating a lush appearance.

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Care Guide for Cape honeysuckle

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating in moderate moisture regions, cape honeysuckle thrives with balanced humidity. It requires weekly watering, favoring regular hydration without oversaturation. As an evergreen, cape honeysuckle flourishes outdoors with ample water during growth, ensuring proper drainage to prevent root rot.

Fertilize: Cape honeysuckle thrives with high nitrogen fertilizers; apply a balanced, slow-release type every 3 months during the growing season. Reduce feeding in winter, and water cape honeysuckle post-application to prevent root burn. Avoid over-fertilization to maintain robust health.

Pruning: Cape honeysuckle features vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers and thrives with early spring pruning. Remove dead or diseased wood for healthy growth, thin crowded branches for air circulation, and perform occasional hard pruning to rejuvenate. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid damage or disease.

Propagation: Cape honeysuckle propagates best through cuttings. Use healthy, non-flowering stems cut at a 45-degree angle. Dipping in rooting hormone promotes roots. Plant in well-draining soil, keep moist, and place in bright, indirect light. Monitor for roots to ensure timely transplantation.

Repotting: Cape honeysuckle thrives with repotting every 2-3 years in early spring. Use slightly larger pots to support growth. After repotting, provide ample sunlight and moderate watering. Remember, patience is essential as cape honeysuckle may take time to adjust to its new environment.

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Images of Cape honeysuckle

Distribution of Cape honeysuckle

Culture

Toxicity

Quickly Identify Cape honeysuckle

Care Guide for Cape honeysuckle

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