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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, extremely
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1200
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
climbers
Height
:
5 m-12 m
Spread
:
10 m-12 m
Foliage
:
semi-evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
pink
Size
:
15 cm - 35 cm
Period
:
July - August
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
nut
The Queen’s Wreath or Coral Vine (murjan mutasalliq in Arabic) gives a tropical feeling with its
lush green appearance. It is a tendril-climbing vine fromMexico that achieves a height of 12 metres.
With its fast, vigorous growth, it easily takes over trellises, pergolas and fences, but also shrubs and
small trees which it may kill. Shiny, evergreen leaves are about 10 cm long and arrowhead-shaped.
Heat and full sun are accepted, but the soil should not be too dry. Deep watering encourages an
extensive root system. Established plants survive with less irrigation. General-purpose fertiliser
is tolerated, but highly nutritious soil makes Coral Vine produce vegetative growth at the cost of
flowers. The floral display turns branches into festoons with bunches of pink flowers that highlight
the mounds of deep green foliage and attract bees. Sometimes, cultivars are available. ‘Album’ has
white flowers, while ‘Baja Red’ has magenta flowers. All flower in summer and autumn. Frost may
cause the plant to go dormant. It quickly recovers, even if frozen to the ground. Maintenance is
minimal if the location has been chosen carefully. Pruning is best in spring, especially if frost has
killed twigs that require removal. The tendrils may need some initial support to reach the top of
a wall or a pergola. Greater effort is required if the vine takes over its vicinity of pathways and
slow-growing shrubs. The species is easily propagated by seeds, whereas the cultivars should be
reproduced by cuttings.
52
Antigonon leptopus,
Polygonaceae
Queen’s Wreath,
Coral Vine, Mexican Creeper, murjan mutasalliq