Purple Allamanda

Allamanda violacea Gardn. & Fielding

(Allamanda blanchetii A. DC----see below)

al-ah-MAND-ah vie-oh-LACE-ee-ah

Apocynaceae

Explanation of name: For generic name, see A. cathartica. Violacea is self-explanatory.

Synonym: Allamanda blanchetii A. DC., this the name accepted by GRI.

Natural range: South America

Recognition: Robust, large-flowered, scrambling vine with large purplish funnelform flowers. Some cultivars of A. cathartica are similar in flower color and in overall size, but A. violacea differs by being pubescent (vs. glabrous or nearly so).

Landscape uses: Often planted on fences, best where the long fast-growing branches can cascade. This vine is exceptionally large. The tissues are toxic and irritating (BR1). Can be pruned into shrublike form.