Bowtie Vine, Purple Wings

Dalechampia dioscoreifolia Poepp.

dal-eh-CHAMP-ee-ah die-ah-score-ah-FOAL-ee-ah

Euphorbiaceae

Explanation of name: The generic name refers to Jacques Daléchamps, French botanist and physician. The specific name reflects the resemblance of the foliage to that of yams (Dioscorea).

Natural range: South America, Mesoamerica

Recognition: A twining vine with striking “flowers” made showy by paired purple, serrate-margined bracts resembling a bow-tie. The leaves are more or less heart-shaped (cordate). The fruit is red.

Landscape uses: A fast-growing vine tolerant of partial shade with particularly showy colorful bracts. Potentially capable of year-round flowering (DAV), blooms at PBCC when warm. Propagates from cuttings.

Some cultural data from: http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Euphorbiaceae/Dalechampia_dioscoraefolia.html