Thunbergia erecta

Bush Clock Vine, December Flower, King's Mantle

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Opening is a release of the consciousness by which it begins to admit into itself the workings of the Divine Light and Power.

The Mother, Words of the Mother - II: Openness

In this Yoga the whole principle is to open oneself to the Divine Influence. It is there above you and, if you can once become conscious of it, you have then to call it down into you. It descends into the mind and into the body as Peace, as a Light, as a Force that works, as the Presence of the Divine with or without form, as Ananda.

Sri Aurobindo, Letters on Yoga - II: Opening

What you should do is to throw the doors of your being wide open to the Divine. The moment you conceal something, you step straight into Falsehood. The least suppression on your part pulls you immediately down into unconsciousness. If you want to be fully conscious, be always in front of the Truth—completely open yourself and try your utmost to let it see deep inside you, into every corner of your being. That alone will bring into you light and consciousness and all that is most true.

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1929 - 1931: Union with the Divine Consciousness and Will

Widen yourself to the extreme limit of the universe… and beyond.

Always take upon yourself all the necessities of progress, and resolve them in the ecstasy of Unity. Then you will be divine.

The Mother, Words of the Mother - II: Wideness

Varieties

Message of the Flower

Opening to the Light

The Mother’s Comment

Harmonises with all that can lead towards the Light.

Colour

Lavender blue, purple, white, bright yellow

Message of the Flower

Opening of the Higher Vital to the Light

The Mother’s Comment

The vital existing only for the Divine. The vital knowing no other master than the Divine.

Colour

Lavender and white, bright yellow

Message of the Flower

Opening of the Material Vital to the Light

The Mother’s Comment

One of the essential conditions for peace.

Colour

Deep violet, bright yellow

Message of the Flower

Integral Opening to the Light

The Mother’s Comment

The assurance of the coming peace and joy.

Colour

White, bright yellow

Family

Acanthaceae

Cultivars

Limited cultivars, mainly distinguished by slight variations in flower color.

Flower Size

About 1.5 to 2 inches across.

Flower Texture

Smooth, slightly velvety.

Number of Petals

Technically, the flower is a five-lobed corolla, often perceived as petals.

Floral Symmetry

Bilateral symmetry.

Fragrance of Flower

Minimal to no fragrance.

Leaf Texture

Slightly rough, with a hairy texture.

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Dark green.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Erect, shrubby growth habit.

Life Cycle

Perennial in tropical climates, often grown as an annual in temperate zones.

Blooming Period

Warm months, can bloom year-round in tropical climates.

Climate

Tropical to subtropical.

Water Requirements

Moderate, prefers consistent moisture but well-drained soil.

Soil Type

Loamy, well-drained.

Temperature Ranges

Prefers temperatures above 50F (10C).

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun to partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Prone to spider mites and aphids under stress or in dry indoor conditions.

Pollinators

Attracts butterflies and bees.

Habitat

Native to Western Africa, grown in gardens and as a landscape plant in suitable climates.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar for pollinators.

Ornamental

Widely used for its decorative flowers and foliage.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Primarily ornamental.

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered; widely cultivated.