Family: Verbenaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 626 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Petrea
Vegetable: False
Observations: Florida, Mexico to Trop. America
Description
Queen’s-wreath, known scientifically as Petrea volubilis, is a captivating and visually striking plant that belongs to the Verbenaceae family. First described comprehensively in 1753, the species has become renowned for its beauty and adaptability. Flourishing in a diverse range of environments, from the sun-drenched locales of Florida to the luxuriant expanses running from Mexico deep into tropical America, this plant has a broad geographical distribution that speaks to its resilience and ecological versatility.
The Queen’s-wreath is celebrated particularly for its long, vining stems adorned with spectacular clusters of vivid purple-blue flowers. These blossoms not only contribute to the decorative appeal of gardens and landscapes but also play a significant role in supporting local ecosystems by attracting pollinators such as butterflies and bees. The plant’s unique aesthetic charm comes from its dense sprays of star-shaped blooms, which can create stunning displays when allowed to twine around fences, trellises, and arbors.
In addition to its ornamental use, Queen’s-wreath is noted for its vigorous growth pattern. The hardy vine can easily reach significant lengths, making it an excellent choice for covering large spaces and adding vertical interest in various horticultural settings. Gardeners value Petrea volubilis not just for its beauty but also for its relatively low maintenance needs. It thrives well in full sunlight and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are well-draining.
The historical significance of Petrea volubilis is also noteworthy, as it has been part of botanical studies and classifications for centuries. Growing this plant can be a way to connect with the rich legacy of botanical exploration and discovery, dating back to the 18th century.
In summary, Queen’s-wreath (Petrea volubilis) is more than just an ornamental vine. It is a robust, adaptable plant with a storied history, contributing both aesthetic value to gardens and ecological benefits to the environments where it thrives. Its ability to adapt across a range of climates from Florida through to tropical America makes it an enduring favorite among botanists and gardeners alike.
Common Names
Eng: queen’s-wreath, purple-wreath, sandpaper
Swe: propellerbuske
En: Queen’s-wreath, Purple-wreath, Sandpaper, Petrea, Queen’s wreath, Purple wreath, Sandpaper vine, Nootka cypress, Sand-paper
Af: Perskransie, Petrebos
Ar: بتراء (نبات)
Bn: নীলমনিলতা
Zh: 蓝花藤
Fi: Sinipotkurikukka
Fr: Pétrée volubile, Liane gris, Liane Saint-Jean
Ml: നീലമണി
Es: Choreque, Lija
Sv: Propellerbuske
Zh-tw: 藍花藤
Th: พวงคราม
Synonyms
- Petrea stapeliae (Paxton)
- Petrea amazonica (Moldenke)
- Petrea kohautiana (C.Presl)
- Petrea arborea (Kunth)
- Petrea volubilis var. pubescens (Moldenke)
- Petrea kohautiana var. pilosula (Moldenke)
- Petrea volubilis var. albiflora ((Standl.) Moldenke)
- Petrea volubilis f. pubescens ((Moldenke) Moldenke)
- Petrea kohautiana var. anomala (Moldenke)
- Petrea serrata (C.Presl)
- Petrea volubilis f. albiflora ((Standl.) Standl.)
- Petrea racemosa (Nees)
- Petrea nitidula (Moldenke)
- Petrea arborea var. broadwayi (Moldenke)
- Petrea arborea f. broadwayi ((Moldenke) Moldenke)
- Petrea riparia (Moldenke)
- Petrea rivularis (Moldenke)
- Petrea aspera f. albiflora (Moldenke)
- Petrea racemosa var. alba (Kuhlm. ex Moldenke)
- Petrea arborea f. albiflora (Standl.)
- Petrea ovata (M.Martens & Galeotti)
- Petrea arborescens (Archer ex Moldenke)
- Petrea kohautiana f. alba ((G.F.Freeman & W.G.Freeman) Moldenke)
- Petrea atrocoerulea (Moldenke)
- Petrea volubilis var. alba (G.F.Freeman & W.G.Freeman)
- Petrea retusa (C.Presl)
- Petrea colombiana (Moldenke)
- Petrea erecta (G.Lodd.)
- Petrea swallenii (Moldenke)
- Petrea fragrantissima (Rusby)
- Petrea subserrata (Cham.)
- Petrea volubilis var. mexicana (Cham.)
- Petrea vincentina (Turcz.)
- Petrea racemosa f. alba ((Kuhlm. ex Moldenke) Moldenke)
- Petrea mexicana (Willd. ex Cham.)
- Petrea aspera (Turcz.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- East Himalaya (introduced)
- Gambia (introduced)
- Marshall Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 13, 2019 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2014 by Monestel Anita (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 28, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 3, 2021 by kenneth booi (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2021 by salver mily (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 5, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 24, 2020 by raghuraja (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Nov 27, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2021 by Ahmed Ahmed (cc-by-sa)
© 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.
Habit
Taken Nov 27, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 1, 2012 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 22, 2015 by EOL − Zabdiel Peralta (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 27, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 5, 2020 by Firpo Santiago (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 21, 2021 by Marthe TEUHI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 7, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Felipe Felipe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 22, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Anziz AHMED ABDOU (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2925536)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:330591-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Petrea volubilis L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Vine, Shrub, Subshrub