Family: Apocynaceae
Common name: Brazilian jasmine, Mandevilla
Brazilian jasmine is a stunning tropical vine that is loved by gardeners for their tall, climbing stems, glossy leaves, and bright beautiful flowers.
Plant characteristics
These plants can climb very quickly 2-4 meters with thick, woody stems that grow stronger and thicker with age. They can look beautiful if they are provided with trellises or supporting structures to climb on.
Leaves are dark green, glossy, leathery, and rounded with a pointy tip, growing to a length of 4-6 cm. Brazilian vine stems and leaves contain a white, viscous milk or latex that is toxic to humans and pets.
It can cause skin irritations and allergies as well. These plants also have tuberous, starch-filled stems that help the plant tolerate drought.
The flowers are what makes Brazilian jasmine special, filling your garden with bright, beautiful colors. They come in colors like red, white, pink, and deep red with differently colored throats depending on the cultivar.
Flowers are tubular with a cup-shaped center and 5 distinct petals. The plant blooms from spring through summer. Though the plants can produce small fruits and seeds, they are not seen in garden variants.
Gardening tips
Like most flowering plants, the Brazilian jasmine thrives in bright sunlight and warm, humid environments. Regular watering and fertilization is required to encourage healthy growth and flowering. The plants can be pruned lightly after the flowering season to keep them bushy and aesthetic.
They can be grown indoors near a bright, sunny window. The plant should also be turned occasionally to encourage uniform growth.
The common cultivars are Dark red, Cream pink, Sun parasol pink, Janet, Rita Mae green, Peter pan, Red riding hood, My fair lady, Alba, and so on, all of them having variations in the flower colors.
Though the latex of Mandevilla plants are toxic, the plants have traditionally been used in the treatment of inflammations and wounds. They are resistant to pests and therefore, a good choice for gardeners.
Propagation is through stem cuttings that usually preserve the characteristics of the hybrid quite well.
Photographed at: Chicago, US and Nagavara, Bangalore
