Cape-honeysuckle
Tecoma capensis

Family: Bignoniaceae

What it is like

A climber. It is a scrambling shrub. It grows 4 m high. The leaflets are in 2-4 pairs. There is a larger leaflet at the end. The leaflets are 2.5 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. The flowers are tube shaped and in clusters. They are bright orange-red.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in the edges of mountain rainforest and in open places amongst rocks. It suits humid locations. In Malawi it grows from about 1,000-2,450 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Argentina, Asia, Brazil, Burundi, Central Africa, Congo, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Eswatini, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Malawi, Mozambique (country/location of origin), Pacific, Paraguay, SE Asia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, South America, Swaziland, Tanzania, West Indies, Zambia

How it is used for food

The nectar is eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Nectar

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds and cuttings. It re-grows quickly after fires.

Its other names

Local names

Bopu, Malangula, Melangula, Umsilingi

Synonyms

Tecomaria capensis (Thunb.) Spach; Bignonia capensis;