Rhodochiton

Taxobox
color = lightgreen
name = "Rhodochiton"


image_caption = "Rhodochiton atrosanguineus"
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Lamiales
familia = Plantaginaceae
genus = "Rhodochiton"
genus_authority = Zucc.
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text.

"Rhodochiton" is a genus of flowering plants within the family Plantaginaceae. There are three species in this genus, the most commonly grown is "R. astrosanguineum", (syn. "R. volubile") the purple bell vine. Native of woodland in Mexico, this attractive plant scrambles through the undergrowth and produces dark purple tubular flowers within a long lasting, papery calyx. Propagation is by seed or cuttings. The two other species, sometimes included in Lophospermum are R. hintonii and R. nubicola.

"Rhodochiton atrosanguineus" is also known as "Rhodochiton volubilis" meaning "purple bells" in the vernacular, and in the UK it is sometimes colloquially known as the "Black Man's Willy" due to its appearance. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7229041.stm BBC NEWS | Entertainment | BBC apology for 'rude' plant chat ] ] It climbs to circa 3 metres with a 3 metre spread, and has down-covered, heart-shaped leaves, often with purple veining. The rosey-purple, bell-shaped, flowers are produced in early to mid-summer. The bell is formed by five fused sepals while the petals form the tubular purple-black, protruding centre. It flowers annually outdoors with flowers sustaining over a long period in suitable conditions, such that it can be perennial in a conservatory.

It is traditionally classified in the family of 'Scrophulariaceae'.

References