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Callaeum macropterum

Accession Count: 17
Common Name: yellow orchid vine
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Family Name: Malpighiaceae
Botanical Name: Callaeum macropterum
Synonyms:
Botanical Synonyms: Mascagnia macroptera
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics: Callaeum macropterum grows by twining its dark green stems on top of each other (1). It can grow along a trellis or fence, or it can grow on itself to form a clump (4). The moderate green leaves are smooth, and two inches long by one inch wide (3). Flowers bloom in late spring and summer with five yellow petals, each shaped like a ping pong paddle (1, 2, 3, 4). Callaeum macropterum produces brown or tan seed pods that resemble a butterfly (1, 3).
Compound: Cal mac
Geographic Origin: Southwestern U.S., Mexico
Ecozone Origin: Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: Callaeum macropterum is native to Mexico and the Southwestern United States.
Cultivation Notes: Callaeum macropterum grows aggressively in dry, well-drained soils and require some maintenance to clean up winged fruit and cut out dead vegetation during the winter (3). It survives with one to two waterings per month, but blooms are greater with weekly watering in the summer (3). New plants can be grown from cuttings or seeds, but seed germination is difficult (4). Faded blooms on the yellow orchid vine should be pruned seasonally. These vines are typically hardy, and suffer twig damage at around 24 to 26 ℉.
Ethnobotany: Yellow orchid vines should be used as a twining vine on a trellis or similar support. These vines should be pruned to shape or following hard frost.
Height: 16 - 20 feet
Width: 16 - 20 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate Growing
Grow Season: Spring
Flower Season: ForeSummer
Color: Yellow
Function: Screen
Spread: Non-spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Benign
Hardy: Hardy
Water Use: Low water Use
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Callaeum macropterum