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| Category: Vine |
| Family: Malpighiaceae (Malpighias) |
| Origin: Baja California (North America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Synonyms: [Callaeum macroptera ] |
| Height: Climbing (Vine) |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Sun or Shade |
| Drought Tolerant: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Mascagnia macroptera (Butterfly Vine) - This is an evergreen vine native to central Baja California, central Sonora and south throughout most of Mexico. It has twining stems bearing dark green, linear leaves. Beginning in late spring, this vine produces clusters of showy yellow 5 petaled 1-inch wide orchid-shaped flowers followed by papery, winged chartreuse seed pods that turn tan. Fruit resembles a green to brown butterfly, hence the common name Butterfly Vine". A second flowering will often occur in fall. This aggressive heat-loving vine can climb 15 to 20 feet up a trellis or fence or without support it will twine on itself, growing in a mound which can be kept pruned to a shrub or groundcover. Plant in full or part sun and although it is a moderately drought tolerant plant once established, it will be more lush with regular watering from late spring through fall. Plants are cold hardy to the mid-20's F. If grown in cooler climates this plant is considered deciduous and late frosts delay flowering. Mascagnia is sometimes considered a synonym with Stigmaphyllon ciliatum which differs in having ovate ciliate margined leaves.
The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens in the Santa Barbara area. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information about this plant, even if they disagree with what we have written.
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