Dawn
I think I took this picture while on one of our road trips. Maybe three years ago I guess. We drove past this house to our hotel and I was fascinate by the fan banana palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) on the right and the Pyrostegia venusta or Flame Vine. The word Greek word ‘pyr’ means “fire” and ‘stegé meaning “a roof” came to my mind immediately when I saw the house on flame. The word Venusta in Latin means ‘beautiful. ‘ This vine is locally called the Fire cracker vine and is often confused with the fire cracker shrub.
The flame vine is an aggressive grower in the tropics. I have seen the vine growing on electric poles and wires. I have always wanted to have these in my garden , but their aggressive nature scares me as my space is limited.This vine is also very heavy and needs strong support. I did once have an idea of growing it on a pole and keeping it trimmed, but I never got down to doing that either.
I enjoyed this vine on my neighbors fence when I lived in the apartment. The fire cracker vine grew all around her border walls and the ipomea horsfalliae on her roof top. She was an avid gardener but she was sensible (unlike me) and grew only a few varieties of plants. Also because of the shade from our apartment very few plants grew in her garden.
I have never seen this vine without flowers. There is always a bunch or two somewhere in the dense foliage.
Here is the post about the Ipomea horsfalliae, take a look if you are interested.
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Question of
Do you like the looks of this Flame vine?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you like the ornamental Fan banana palm or the Ravenala madagascariensis in the picture?
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Yes
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No
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it really does look like the house is on fire!
Great picture i like the banana fan in the foreground. good choice!
It does look like fire , Doesn’t it? I just wish it didn’t grow so vigorously and I can plant it on my terrace. I would love to have it trail all over my pergola. It would be awesome. It would involve a lot of training and trimming though.
i suspect it would be a huge effort. I can see why you are holding off!!!
You are right Doc. It would be a huge effort indeed but maybe worth it all. 🙂 Just not sure if I can take on the additional burden.
that is the hardest part when there are things we want to do but know we don’t have the time to do them!
The similar kind of flower also in my home , the flower in pink here
Wow it would be nice to see if they are different or they are the same
That cascade is stunning.
It is indeed. I just love the look of it.
Wow, this is so beautiful! It looks like paradise!
Hmm wouldn’t it be great to live in that kind of a garden home?
The view of the house is wonderful, dear friend … you’re just saying that this vine is very aggressive
It is indeed which is why I am keeping away from this vine.
I don’t like plants like this in my garden
The view of the house and the plants is stunning.
I am glad you like it Vidocka.