We truly think, and certainly hope, that you will greatly enjoy and appreciate this article about these 5 Vividly Vibrant Vines that we present herein. It was certainly our very great pleasure to compile it for you. May it serve to edify and enlighten you about their wonders.
Clearly, these few species listed here constitute only the tiniest percentage of such species on earth. To date, in fact, botanists recognize more than 2,500 different species. Read on, however, to learn more of these specific members of that widespread group of flora.
Jade Vine
Jade Vine Facts
- Leading off this article about 5 Vividly Vibrant Vines comes the dazzling plant that stands out for its gorgeous hues, the aptly-named Jade Vine.
- Its highly unique nature ranks as the most noteworthy fact about the gorgeous variety of flora. The beauty of this plant conceals the point that it’s actually a legume. Botanists list them as closely related to beans such as the runner bean and kidney bean.
- While the seed pods of the species remain technically edible, the plant is not for consumption. It does have other uses, though. That’s true because of the sheer beauty of the flowers it produces. Cultivators grow it mostly as an ornamental species.
- For now, the IUCN does not have a classification of the species on its Red List of Threatened Species. But, experts consider it endangered due to its limited range and the threats it faces. These primarily include habitat loss and climate change.
- The species has another unusual distinction, separating it from related species. Unlike the majority of plants, a specific bat species forms the primary pollination of this species. Certain butterfly species also play a small role in its pollination, however.
Jade Vine Physical Description
The bright and beautiful Jade Vine grows as a perennial vine. Plus, the remarkable plant also has a fascinating trait. That holds true due to the fact that it doubles as a legume. The strong and fast-growing vines can attain lengths of as much as 59 ft (18 m).
The impressively resourceful plant also clings to and climbs on virtually anything it encounters. This source of support primarily consists of trees within its native environment. The leaves of the vine have a pale green color and consist of three leaflets.
When these leaves fall, a surprising transformation takes place. This holds true due to the fact that at that time, these turn to either a dark blue or purple in color. The seed pods of the Jade Vine rarely exceed 6 in (15 cm) in length. These often contain up to 15 seeds.
Yet the flowers of this visually stunning plant understandably garner the most attention. That’s partly because the claw-shaped blooms hang in trusses consisting of as many as 75 flowers. These remarkable trusses can reach lengths of as much as 9.8 ft (3 m).
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Genus: Strongylodon
- Species: S. macrobotrys
Jade Vine Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Since the stunning Jade Vine grows natively only in the Philippines, its habitat is quite restricted. Even there specimens only occur in regions of montane and tropical forests. It appears most often beside streams or in ravines, the latter for unknown reasons.
This amazing species has also been transplanted to a few other regions of the world. This artificial distribution most notably includes the country of South Africa. The species further has a strong presence in greenhouses and botanical gardens worldwide.
Its unique pollination relationship with bats arose due to a very specific reason. This occurred as a result of the shape of its distinctive blooms. The vines also generally intertwine themselves along the branches and trunks of trees, creating a network.
A mature vine of this species requires about two years to flower and produce fruit. Most commonly, the plant amazing grows prolifically in its native habitat. Unfortunately for those who attempt to grow it, it remains difficult to propagate in cultivation.
American Wisteria
American Wisteria Facts
- Apearing next in this compilation of 5 Vividly Vibrant Vines we present the strongly-perfumed species known simply as the American Wisteria.
- Most notably, the term used for this distinctive plant applies to a magnificent variety of woody climbing vine, placed within the Family Fabaceae. Professional researchers and botanists, however, typically refer to it by its very similar scientific name.
- That’s the comparatively simple, for a technical term, at least, name of Wisteria frutescens. The renowned Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus accomplished the first official description of this gorgeous flora. This action occurred in the late 18th century.
- Much like many other beautiful plants, its great beauty conceals a somewhat dark secret, though. That holds true due to the fact that many parts of the seemingly delicate species contain a type of toxic chemical known as a saponin. Nature loves secrets.
- Ingestion of even a few of the seed pods it produces can cause extremely unpleasant symptoms. These experiences rarely prove fatal to the hapless victim, however. Nevertheless, strong cautions should be taken when interacting with the beauty.
- For the moment, the fabulous American Wisteria appears to be maintaining a stable population throughout the entirety of its natural range. This also appears, at least for the moment, to hold true throughout the entirety of that native range.
- It also now appears in many parts of the world as a decorative plant. The IUCN, therefore, currently has no listing for it. It could be considered to be facing at least one threat to its existence, though. That would be the danger of climate change.
American Wisteria Physical Description
The fabulous species known commonly as the American Wisteria represents a stunning variety of flora. But its beauty alone isn’t the only amazing quality it possesses. Nature and evolution, it seems, truly blessed this particular variety of Angiosperm.
That’s because this marvelous vine also has the impressive ability to grow to incredible lengths. In point of fact, individual specimens of this particular variety of Wisteria sometimes reach staggering lengths. Some measure as much as 50 ft (15 m).
The stunning American Wisteria also has yet another quality to add to its visual appeal, however. That’s the fact that it also produces numerous clusters of beautiful flowers. The delightful hues of these blossoms, in such numbers gives it a magnificent presence.
These beauties further typically develop with a lovely blueish-purple color. Remarkably, those delicate clusters sometimes grow to as long as 6 in (15 cm). The foliage, meanwhile, consists of shiny dark-green leaves that range in length from roughly 6-12 in (15-30 cm).
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperm
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Genus: Wisteria
- Species: W. frutescens
American Wisteria Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Quite unfortunately, the breathtaking vine known as the American Wisteria evolved as native to a restricted portion of North America. That regrettably limited zone of habitation currently consists of only certain portions of the southeastern section of the United States.
More specifically, the marvelous variety of flora mainly appears from the state of Virginia to the state of Texas. Scattered populations, however, also appear in the states of New York and Michigan. Human actions may have potentially spread the plant further.
Even within this restricted range, however, the gorgeous vine has definite preferences in its choice of habitat. That’s because, when left to its own devices, it appears almost solely in regions consisting of various wetlands, and sometimes along some river banks.
The fascinating plant’s also an almost unsurpassed opportunistic climber. In fact, this incredible species, clings to and climbs virtually any support available to it. Perhaps most commonly, though, this available support consists of various trees.
The magnificent American Wisteria further distinguishes itself from related species in yet one more fashion. That holds true due to the fact that, unlike those of other types of Wisteria, its blooms possess no noticeable fragrance. The reason for this remains a mystery.
Blooming in the very early Spring, those same blossoms also have a characteristic different from related species. That’s because they evolved very short blooming periods. Wherever it appears, this gorgeous work of Nature also prefers direct sunlight.
Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle Facts
- Placing third in this compendium of 5 Vividly Vibrant Vines, the gorgeous and impressive Honeysuckle does so only to random selection.
- Perhaps surprisingly to some, the term employed herein actually names an entire Family of stunningly beautiful plants placed in the Caprifoliaceae family. Due to this, each of these remarkable species develops as either arching shrubs or twining vines.
- A remarkable total of roughly 180 recognized species of the plant further exist at this time. Several other species, however, remain under consideration for inclusion in the group at this time. Consideration of that status remains ongoing by researchers.
- All of the acknowledged members of this truly impressive Family of plants additionally share yet another characteristic. This particular one, however, has nothing to do with biology. In this instance, though, it’s a matter of general geography.
- That’s because all known varieties of this sweet-smelling and brilliantly colored plant evolved as native to the Northern Hemisphere. This geographical restriction also applies to those species presently being considered for inclusion in group.
- As of now, roughly 100 of the recognized Honeysuckle forms remain endemic to the country of China, in Asia. The continents of Europe and North America, along with the country of India, each further serve as home to 20 of the member species.
- The remaining forms of this marvelous Family appear scattered throughout various locations in the continents of Australia and Africa. Members of its group therefore benefit from one of the widest ranges of distribution currently known to science.
Honeysuckle Physical Description
Impressively, the majority of the known types of Honeysuckle evolved as comparatively strong twining climbers. On all of these, the leaves grow opposite, and develop as simple ovals. This visually appealing foliage also averages about 4.5 in (10 cm) in length.
Although most evolved as deciduous, some develop as evergreens. Many of the individual species also produce strongly sweetly-scented flowers. These blooms also produce small quantities of sweet, edible nectar. Most of the flowers develop in clusters of two.
Both shrubby and vining sorts have strongly fibrous stems which are suitable for binding and textiles. Like many beautiful plants, however, Honeysuckle has a somewhat dark secret. That’s because the fruit of the Angiosperms possess low level of poisonous compounds.
In appearance, these fruits possess either a spherical or somewhat elongated shape. The most commonly seen colors of the fruit include red, blue, and black. Nonetheless, on rare occasions, specimens produce this aspect of the plant in a wide range of hues.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Dipsacales
- Family: Caprifoliaceae
- Genus: Lonicera
Honeysuckle Invasiveness
Amazingly, while the fruit of many varieties of Honeysuckle evolved to be toxic, this does have some uses. That holds true due to the fact that, in a few cases, the fruit of the Angiosperm, while quite tiny, can be consumed and even used for types of commerce.
This part of the stunning plants also has other natural uses, though. This remains true because the berries of most forms also remain attractive to numerous forms of local wildlife. For example, a wide variety of butterflies and hummingbirds love them.
Quite unfortunately, however, several species within this remarkable Family have now become invasive. This occurred when they were introduced outside their native range. This remains particularly true in both New Zealand and the United States.
Honeysuckle Popularity
Due to its many qualities, the Honeysuckle has now become popular in many regions of the world. This most commonly manifests itself in using it as a garden decoration. Many people use it both because it smells beautiful, and covers unsightly walls and outbuildings.
This gorgeous and colorful plant has also become quite popular for its sheer pleasure to the different senses. In fact, a great number of people find it pleasant to use for the numerous blooms it produces in the summer. These form as quite beautiful and highly aromatic.
The hardy climbing types of Honeysuckle do have certain specific needs. That’s because most forms need the roots in shade, but the tops prefer sunlight or very light shade. Finally, the varieties one uses also need to be chosen with care because most grow prolifically.
Bleeding Heart Vine
Bleeding Heart Vine Facts
- Appearing next in among our choices for inclusion in this collection of 5 Vividly Vibrant Vines comes the staggering natural beauty known as the Bleeding Heart Vine.
- Perhaps most notably, this magnificent product of Nature and evolution clearly most frequently goes by this common name due to its appearance. It also has other, equally intriguing names. These include bleeding glory-bower and bag flower, among others.
- Scientific professionals, meanwhile, tend to use its formal name when referring to it. That, however, is the tongue-twisting term of Clerodendrum thomsoniae. Regardless of the term used, though, this wonderful flora remains a highly unique plant.
- As a result of its many amazing attributes, the astonishingly beautiful plant even gained the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. The species also continues to be extremely popular as an ornamental plant, as it has for many years.
- Unfortunately, the vine does have factors working against it. That’s true since it requires a very specific combination of complex factors to survive. The root system must be partially submerged in water the majority of the time. It also requires very direct light.
- It holds yet another surprise, however. The magnificent vine actually evolved as extremely hardy, despite the seeming frailty of the flowers. This surprising species also even managed to escape cultivation in some areas and therefore become naturalized.
- For the moment, its numbers appear to be sufficient throughout its range. Therefore, the IUCN has no listing for the Bleeding Heart Vine on its Red List at the moment. Nevertheless, it does face the potential threats created by the effects of climate change.
Bleeding Heart Vine Physical Description
Don’t let the incredibly fascinating Bleeding Heart Vine beguile you, though it seems tha tis exactly what Nature intended. Despite its simple-seeming appearance, the fabulous Angiosperm has its secrets, much like many species. Some may even surprise you.
That’s because the species of flora actually constitutes something special, an unusual species of evergreen vine. Yet it is important that it not be confused with another variety of plant. That’s due to the similarity of names between it and the plant named the Bleeding Heart.
The other forms an entirely different, if beautiful in its own right, species. This particular plant also evolved as a climbing plant which can reach heights of as much as 13 ft (4 m). The leaves of the gorgeous Bleeding Heart Vine also have their own natural beauty.
In point of fact, that intriguing foliage generally appears dark green and oval. It further averages 7 in (17 cm) in length. Its most noteworthy feature though, likely remains the distinctive flowers. These beauties occur in bunches of 8-20 and appear on long, thin stalks.
Yet another distinctive feature of the Bleeding Heart Vine remains its remarkable color pattern. The outer portion ranges in color from stark white to a less common pale purple. However, the inner portion presents a brilliant red color, creating a breathtaking contrast.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Lamiales
- Family: Verbenaceae
- Genus: Clerodendum
- Species: C. thomsoniae
Bleeding Heart Vine Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
This marvel developed over a moderate habitat range. Not surprisingly, the Bleeding Heart Vine also originates from a region of the globe well known for its great natural beauty. Tht’s due to the fact that it evolved as native to western portions of the continent of Africa.
There, this wonder of Nature currently grows in great abundance, and over a broad region. More specifically, it grows naturally in a range that includes Cameroon and Senegal. The plant also has strong preferences, typically occuring naturally in regions of dense forest.
Given the region of the world in which it originates, it understandably prefers tropical climates for its habitat. The breathtaking vine, does, however, display yet another remarkable characteristic. That holds true because the plant also adapts well to temperate climates.
The Bleeding Heart Vine also grows rapidly, at least under ideal conditions. Consequently, in the tropical heat it produces copious quanatities of its fruit. Though relatively small, these produce numerous seeds. Both the fruit and their seeds are a very dark black in color.
Purple Passionflower
Purple Passionflower Facts
- Last up among these 5 Vividly Vibrant Vines, but by no means least, comes the extraordinary variety of flora known as the Purple Passionflower.
- The descriptive term for this unique variety of plant perfectly serves as one of the common names for this lovely and distinct beauty. It also has several other common names, though. These include such terms as the wild passion vine and the maypop.
- In addition to these, as well as several more, it also has a somewhat evocative scientific name, as well. That’s the equally appropriate term of the Passiflora incarnata. Regardless of the term chosen, though, it remains a most distinctive variety of flora.
- The first official recognition of this particular variety of passionflower, of which more than 600 exist, remains unclear, however. That’s due to conflicting reports.The first naming of the extremely extensive, as well as beautiful, genus, though, occurred in 1745.
- This occurred at the hands of the renowned Swedish botanist, Carl Linnaeus. The first recorded discovery of a member of this marvelous group happened in 1569. At that time, the Spanish doctor Monardes discovered one of them in South America.
- Very fortunately, the stunning Purple Passionflower also appears to be maintaining a sufficiently stable population throughout its range. The IUCN, therefore, presently does not have a listing for it. Any such listing would appear on the organization’s Red List.
- The wonder of Nature should, nonetheless, be considered to be at some risk, at least in its native range. It now exists around the world as an ornamental plant. Habitat loss poses a potential threat, but climate change likely remains its greatest.
Purple Passionflower Physical Description
It bears noting that the magnificent flora known as the Purple Passionflower evolved as a form of perennial vine. Given that fact, its exact dimensions understandably vary. For one, the marvel of Nature can develop as either a trailing or climbing variety.
In either variety, though, it remains capable of attaining a comparatively significant length. More precisely, some specimens also grow to a length of as much as 30 ft (9.1 m). The majority of individual plants, however, generally remain much shorter than this.
Its leaves typically develop a 3-lobed structure, but 5-lobed varieties do spontaneously occur in Nature. This foliage also usually presents a dark green in color, and possesses a smooth texture. On average, these reach a length equaling roughly 2.4 – 5.9 in (6 – 15 cm).
Yet, its the breathtaking and distinctive blooms of the aptly-named Purple Passionflower that garner the most attention. These develop 5 bluish-white petals, but further possess a bright purple and white corona. This naturally forms the source of the common name.
Though not as impressive as the gorgeous flowers, the fruit of the plant nonetheless merits its own attention. This also typically develops as an oval-shaped berry, roughly the size of a chicken egg. Although its starts out green in color, it slowly yellows as it matures.
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Malpighiales
- Family: Passifloraceae
- Genus: Passiflora
- Species: P. incarnata
Purple Passionflower Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology
Unlike some of its related species, the Purple Passionflower evolved as native a relatively wide section of the globe. In point of fact, it appears naturally in a specific portion of the continent of North America. It has, however, spread nearly worldwide.
More precisely, this wonder of evolution grows endemically in the southern and southeastern parts of the United States. This covers an area that extends from Pennsylvania in the northeast to Kansas in the mid-west, and as far south as Texas to Florida.
In the wild, this marvelous plant evolved as highly adaptable. As a result, it appears in a wide range of habitat types. These frequently include such areas as open fields, rocky slopes, thickets, thinly wooded regions, and sometimes even roadsides and ditches.
The plant does, however, greatly prefer these areas to be in mostly direct sunlight. Given the nature of its habitat, the beautiful Purple Passionflower accomplishes the majority of its pollination via the efforts of various local species of bumblebees and hummingbirds.
In some respects, unfortunately, the flora sometimes becomes considered an agricultural weed. It spreads prolifically. Historically, though, some people used it in traditional herbal medicines, and thus appreciated its extreme reproductive capabilities.
5 Vividly Vibrant Vines
We sincerely hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed reading, and hopefull learning from, this article about these 5 Vividly VIbrant Vines. It’s our further hope that having done so has left you with a new or renewed appreciation for such natural wonders.
Regrettably, many similar species, along with countless others of all kinds, now find themselves facing severe threats to their existence. It’s up to each and every one of us to do all that we can to protect and preserve them. Doing so helps both them and ourselves.
Check out our other articles on 5 Indigenous Hawaiian Species, Wonderful Wild Cats of the World, 7 Bizarre and Unusual Birds, Earth’s Extremely Threatened Flowers