Thunbergia battiscombei

Thunbergia battiscombei, also known as the blue glory vine,[2] is a species of flowering plant within the family Acanthaceae. Not to be mistaken with Thunbergia grandiflora, commonly known as the blue trumpet vine. [3]

Thunbergia battiscombei
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Thunbergia
Species:
T. battiscombei
Binomial name
Thunbergia battiscombei
Turrill
Synonyms[1]
  • Thunbergia adjumaensis De Wild.

Thunbergia battiscombei is used as an ornamental garden plant for its beautiful large blooms and leafy foliage. [2]

It is cultivated as a herb within its native range.[1] Some people superstitiously believe the herb is able to help remedy mental imbalance, curses and black magic. [4]

Description

Thunbergia battiscombei is a perennial species. Its leaves are wide and ovate, which can grow up to 17 cm long.[1]

Flowers of this species are purple with the centre of the flower possessing a bright yellow throat. The flowers are trumpet shaped.

It grows in a variety of habitats and as a result has adapted different growth habits ranging from erect, climbing and creeping. [5]

Distribution

This species is endemic to Africa where it can be found in: Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [1]

Habitat

Thunbergia battiscombei can be found within a wide range of habitats including: woodlands, grasslands, riversides and hillsides. [5]

It especially favours Combretum Woodlands and grassland habitats that are prone to annual fires. [5]

It can be found growing at altitudes up to 300 m above sea level. [5]

  • Front view of the flower.
  • Growing in a garden border.
  • Flower side view.
  • A group of flowers.
  • Erect growth habit.
  • Variegated leaf form.

References
  1. "Thunbergia battiscombei". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  2. Harrison, Marie (2022-03-19). "Blue Clock Vine, a Favorite Thunbergia". Dave's Garden.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. "Thunbergia grandiflora". www.nparks.gov.sg. 2022-03-19.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. Harvey, Clare G. (2014). The Practitioner's Encyclopedia of Flower Remedies. UK: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. p. 378. ISBN 9780857011268.
  5. "Thunbergia battiscombei Acanthaceae" (PDF). opus.sanbi.org. 2021. Retrieved 2022-03-20.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
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