Family: Acanthaceae
Author: (Benth.) T.Anderson
Bibliography: J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 7: 18 (1863)
Year: 1863
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Thunbergia
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Trop. Africa to NW. Tanzania
Description
Bush clockvine, scientifically known as Thunbergia erecta, is a captivating plant species that belongs to the Acanthaceae family, which is renowned for its ornamental and medicinal plants. This species is extensively distributed across Western Tropical Africa to Northwestern Tanzania, revealing its adaptability to a variety of tropical environments.
First described in 1863 as documented in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of Botany, Thunbergia erecta was formally authored by (Benth.) T. Anderson. The plant holds a special spot in botanical literature due to its unique characteristics and the historical context of its classification.
Bush clockvine is appreciated for its strikingly beautiful, tubular flowers that often exhibit a deep blue or purple hue with a yellow or white throat, making it a popular addition to gardens and landscapes. These vibrant blooms are not only visually pleasing but also attract various pollinators, playing a crucial role in the ecosystem.
The plant is typically a shrub, capable of growing upright, hence the term “erecta” in its scientific name. Its glossy green leaves provide a lush backdrop to the vivid flowers, making it a charming ornamental plant. The hardy nature of Thunbergia erecta allows it to thrive in tropical climates, with a preference for well-drained soils and moderate watering.
In addition to its ornamental value, the bush clockvine may also be used in traditional medicine, although this aspect requires further research to fully understand its potential benefits and applications. The plant’s resilience and beautiful appearance ensure its continued popularity among plant enthusiasts and landscapers alike.
Thus, Thunbergia erecta stands out as a vibrant member of the Acanthaceae family, celebrated for its beauty, ecological importance, and historical significance.
Common Names
Eng: bush clockvine, king’s-mantle, kings mantle
Swe: trumpetthunbergia
Por: tumbergia-arbustiva
En: Bush clockvine, King’s-mantle, Kings mantle
Fr: Thunbergie érigée
Pt: Tumbergia-arbustiva
Sv: Trumpetthunbergia
Synonyms
- Thunbergia mestdaghi (De Wild.)
- Thunbergia ikbaliana (De Wild.)
- Meyenia erecta (Benth.)
Distribution
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Congo (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- Assam (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Chad (introduced)
- Comoros (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Fiji (introduced)
- Florida (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- Mexico Central (introduced)
- Mexico Southeast (introduced)
- Nicobar Is. (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Jioti Marcos (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 5, 2019 by Rafael Tavares Salles (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 24, 2020 by Diego Subias Ana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 24, 2020 by Diego Subias Ana (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 7, 2014 by richard gautier (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2021 by Abraham Zachariah (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 7, 2022 by Jeanne Botanique (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2020 by Trope Bia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Cleriston Pereira (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 12, 2022 by manuseitz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 20, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 3, 2022 by Kitsune (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 10, 2021 by Muzzachiodi Norberto (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2021 by Kimata Victoria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Nilsson Emanuel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 18, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 11, 2019 by Vanessa Co (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 9, 2020 by Satya Rudin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2017 by vini (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Dec 28, 2021 by Ibrahima GUEYE (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415461)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:56259-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Thunbergia erecta (Benth.) T.Anderson)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine, Shrub