Tecoma capensis (syn. Tecomaria capensis) - Cape honeysuckle
Family Bignoniaceae
Description:
About a dozen species of Tecoma are reported from warm climates of the Americas plus this single species from southern Africa. It is popular among gardeners in warm climates because the bright orange flowers are borne over a long season. In north Florida, it seems to flower heaviest in late summer and fall. Varieties exist with red-orange to yellow flowers are available. In the wild, flowers are pollinated by birds. In Florida, sulphur butterflies are attracted to these flowers.
Location:
Plants can be seen along the walkway circle between the Administration Building and Wackadoo's.
Size:
Scrambling shrub to eight feet tall or more.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun
Water: very drought tolerant when established
Soil: well-drained soil, no other special requirements
This plant must be at its northern limit in Jacksonville. It survives temperatures to the mid-20's F. In one trial, a plant died when the winter temperature dropped to the high teens F.