Thunbergia alata

Black-eyed Susan vine, Thunbergia, Clockvine

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Even if there is much darkness—and this world is full of it and the physical nature of man also—yet a ray of the true Light can prevail eventually against a tenfold darkness. Believe that and cleave to it always.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - II: Faith

Colour

bright yellow or orange-yellow flowers with a dark central eye.

Varieties

Message of the Flower

Obscurity Offers itself to be Transformed

The Mother’s Comment

Obscurity tired of being obscure.

Message of the Flower

Transformation Dispels Obscurity

The Mother’s Comment

Obscurity will disappear more and more as the transformation progresses.

Family

Acanthaceae

Cultivars

Blushing Susie', 'African Sunset', 'Alba', 'Sunny Lemon Star', ‘Julietta'

Person who named the flower

Named after the Swedish naturalist Carl Peter Thunberg.

Flower Size

Small to medium-sized, about 1-2 inches in diameter.

Flower Texture

Soft and slightly velvety

Number of Petals

five

Floral Symmetry

radial

Fragrance of Flower

non fragrant

Leaf Texture

Slightly hairy, rough

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Vine or climber

Life Cycle

Perennial in tropics, annual in cooler climates

Blooming Period

Summer to fall

Climate

warm, tropical climates

Water Requirements

Moderate, requires well-drained soil

Soil Type

Loamy, well-drained

Temperature Ranges

Thrives between 70F and 80F (21C - 27C)

Sun or Shade

Full sun to partial shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

aphids, whiteflies, and powdery mildew

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Habitat

Native to Eastern Africa, grows in woodland and grassland habitats

Role in the Ecosystem

Attracts pollinators

Ornamental

Widely used in gardens and as houseplants,

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered