4/2/2023 0 Comments Snail vine![]() The multiple name changes and variability of forms of this plant has caused considerable confusion, particularly with an invasive plant often called Phaseolus giganteus, or Vigna speciosa (and now Sigmoidotropis speciosa), which is similar but has lavender colored non-fragrant flowers. The genus name Vigna is named after Dominico Vigna an Italian botanist of the 17th century and the name Cochliasanthus is thought to refer to the snail-like shape of the flower, which is a similar shape as the cochlea in the inner ear. It was later reclassified as Vigna caracalla by Bernard Verdcourt in 1970 (Kew Bulletin v24 n3) but the most current name is Cochliasanthus caracalla which was the name ascribed to the plant by the German physician and botanist Christoph Jakob Trew in 1763 but the name only resurrected after more recent genetic studies indicated its differences with Vigna. The plant was brought back to Portugal from Brasil in the late 17th century and first described by Linnaeus in 1753 as Phaseolus Caracalla. The native range of Vigna caracalla is Southern Mexico south through Central America and tropical South America and the genus is considered to be monotypic, with only this one species, though previously it was considered to belong to the genus Vigna and before this in the genus Phaseolus. Foliage yellows and drops in late fall in Santa Barbara - trim back in early spring to clean up winter deciduous stems and to maintain size. An attractive vine with wonderfully fragrant flowers that can perfume large areas and is attractive to bees and butterflies. It is hardy to around 25 ☏ and useful as a semi-evergreen vine when grown in a climate without frost and also used effectively as an annual in colder climates. Plant in full to part sun and irrigate regularly. After flowering it produces green bean pods in later fall. Such is the heady aroma of this plant that it is often compared to that of a hyacinth, jasmine or lilies. In summer to early fall it produces masses of fragrant large (1-2 inch) flowers that are white streaked with pale purple that age to a light yellow and maroon with petals that are curled to give a snail-like appearance. It has soft, dark green trifoliate leaves. Irrigation (H2O Info): Medium Water NeedsĬochliasanthus caracalla (Corkscrew Vine or Snail Vine) - A fast growing tender twining vine growing from tuberous roots that can clamber upon support to heights 15 to 20 feet. Working on getting this plant out in the field but it is not yet available – listing for information only! Cochliasanthus caracalla at San Marcos GrowersĬochliasanthus caracalla - Corkscrew Vine
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