Thunbergia kirkii

Blue Sky Vine, Kirk's Thunbergia

Message of the Flower

Light to medium blue with a white throat

The Mother’s Comment

Opening to Sri Aurobindo's Force

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

Colour

Light to medium blue with a white throat

Family

Acanthaceae

Cultivars

Not widely known for distinct cultivars

Person who named the flower

Sir John Kirk, a British administrator and botanist

Flower Size

Around 2 to 3 inches in diameter

Flower Texture

Smooth

Number of Petals

five

Floral Symmetry

Bilateral

Fragrance of Flower

Not particularly fragrant

Leaf Texture

Slightly hairy

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Color

Dark green

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Vine

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Late spring to early fall

Climate

Tropical and subtropical

Water Requirements

Moderate

Soil Type

Well-drained, fertile soil

Temperature Ranges

Prefers warm temperatures; not frost-hardy

Sun or Shade

Full sun to partial shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Prone to pests like aphids and spider mites, and diseases such as powdery mildew

Pollinators

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds

Habitat

Native to East Africa

Role in the Ecosystem

Nectar source for pollinators

Ornamental

Widely used as an ornamental vine for its attractive flowers

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Primarily ornamental

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered