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Tecoma capensis

Accession Count: 84
Common Name: cape honeysuckle
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Family Name: Bignoniaceae
Botanical Name: Tecoma capensis
Synonyms:
Botanical Synonyms: Tecomaria capensis
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Tecoma capensis is a sprawling, vining plant that spreads by runners, with foliage consisting of glossy, dark green leaves. The compound leaves are divided pinnately, with each leaflet reaching up to six inches long. The leaflets are broadly acuminated, and make up the dense foliage. From late fall to winter, cape honeysuckle blooms bright orange flowers with purple anthers that are brighter in winter months, while the leaves stay green all year long. The shrub-like vine can grow 10 to 15 feet wide, and 15 to 25 feet high (1,2,3). 
Compound: Tec cap
Geographic Origin: Southern Africa
Ecozone Origin: Afrotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: Cape honeysuckle is native to tropical southern Africa, but is used as an ornamental plant in many regions throughout the world. T. capensis is considered invasive in countries such as Cuba, Australia, and New Zeland (3). 
Cultivation Notes: T. capensis is a semi-hardy plant, with a threshold of 28oF. It should be planted against a south or west facing wall in order to prevent frost damage. Moderate water usage is required, and it should be watered once to twice a month with well drained soil. To improve bloom hardiness, it is best to keep the plant somewhat dryer than normal. Cape honeysuckle thrives in heat, requires full sun exposure, and can tolerate some drought and hot wind (1). 
Ethnobotany: Throughout most of the world, particularly in warm tropical regions, T. capensis is cultivated as an ornamental gardening plant. For landscape purposes, this plant is often used along banks, as a hedge, or can be pruned to grow flat against walls, supported by lattice framework (1). Cape honeysuckle can also be pruned to take the shape of a tall, multi-trunked shrub (3). This species is great for xeriscape techniques, and is best utilized in mini-oasis zones (1). While the flowers are blooming, its brilliant orange color often attract humming birds, butterflies and sometimes bees (3).
There are many traditional medicinal compounds that derive from the bark and leaves known to relieve or treat pain, sleeplessness, fevers, bronchitis, and diarrhea to name a few (2).
Height: 16 - 20 feet
Width: 11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate Growing
Grow Season: Summer
Flower Season: Winter
Color: Orange
Function: Screen
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Semi-hardy
Water Use: Moderate Water Use
Citations:
1. Duffield, Mary Rose., and Warren D. Jones. Plants For Dry Climates - How To Select, Grow And Enjoy. Lane Publishing Company, 1992.
2. SANBI - Tecomaria capensis -- Retrieved Oct. 8, 2018
3. CABI Invasive species compendium -- Retrieved Oct 8, 2018
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Tecoma capensis