255 / 476
GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical,
tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-humid, very
humid, extremely
humid
Propagation :
cuttings, division
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
low (1000 ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
climbers
Height
:
5 m-8 m
Spread
:
5 m-8 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
white, pink, red
Size
:
7 cm - 8 cm
Period
:
June - September
Smell
:
scented, strong,
flower
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
silique
Fruit size
:
3 cm
Rangoon Creeper grows wild in southeast Asia from Myanmar (Burma) to the Philippines, and is
often seen as an ornamental climber in Arriyadh. It may become naturalised in humid climates,
forming thickets in secondary forests, but will not invade intact ecosystems. The generic name is
the Latin question What is that?, while the specific name describes its origin from tropical Asia.
This ligneous vine may quickly reach a height of 8 metres. It is cultivated for attractive, fragrant
flowers that open pale pink, turning to intense red while blooming. In open clusters, the star-like
flowers are arranged on slender, long funnels appearing mainly in summer. They develop into
winged, black fruits some 3 cm in size. The leaves are up to 15 cm long, and arranged oppositely
along the woody twigs. Light frosts are not harmful, while the shrub recovers in spring if it has
died back or following hard pruning. Planting locations should be in full sun to partial shade.
Some drought is tolerated in nutrient-rich soils that should be well drained. The ground should
not be compacted, and can range from acidic to alkaline. Being resistant to urban microclimates
and limited in size, Quisqualis makes an ideal low-maintenance vine in Arriyadh. It is grown
widely in private gardens and public parks for its attractive, scented flowers. Kept under control
by clipping, it also performs well in containers. Double flowers are born on a cultivar named
‘Thai Hybrid’.
254
Quisqualis indica,
Combretaceae
Rangoon Creeper