Saritaea
Encyclopedia
Saritaea The single species in this genus, which belongs to the trumpet-vine family, native to Colombia
and Ecuador
. The stems are almost round in cross-section, and are marked with longitudinal stripes. The 10 cm leaves have 2 leaflets and a further 2 leaflet-like appendages at the base of the leaf stalk, plus a tendril at the tip. The leaves are smooth and leathery. The plant is a very spectacular flowering, evergreen tropical climber. The large heads of showy rosy mauve to purple coloured, bell-shaped flowers 8 cm long with hairy yellow throat, borne at the end of the branches often display all year-round . When in flower it is regarded as one of the outstanding climbers of the world. Their nectar is collected by the male bees of the tropical genus Euglossa
, which pollinate the flowers by brushing against the pollen and transferring it. The fruit is a long flattened capsule containing 2-winged seeds.
Cultivation The plants needs a warm-subtropical or tropical climate to be seen at its best, as well as well-drained moisture-retaining soil with lots of humus. Propagate from seed and cuttings.
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
and Ecuador
Ecuador
Ecuador , officially the Republic of Ecuador is a representative democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on the east and south, and by the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do not have a border...
. The stems are almost round in cross-section, and are marked with longitudinal stripes. The 10 cm leaves have 2 leaflets and a further 2 leaflet-like appendages at the base of the leaf stalk, plus a tendril at the tip. The leaves are smooth and leathery. The plant is a very spectacular flowering, evergreen tropical climber. The large heads of showy rosy mauve to purple coloured, bell-shaped flowers 8 cm long with hairy yellow throat, borne at the end of the branches often display all year-round . When in flower it is regarded as one of the outstanding climbers of the world. Their nectar is collected by the male bees of the tropical genus Euglossa
Euglossa
Euglossa is a genus of orchid bees . Like all their close relatives, they are native to the Neotropics; an introduced population exists in Florida. They are typically bright metallic blue, green, coppery, or golden....
, which pollinate the flowers by brushing against the pollen and transferring it. The fruit is a long flattened capsule containing 2-winged seeds.
Cultivation The plants needs a warm-subtropical or tropical climate to be seen at its best, as well as well-drained moisture-retaining soil with lots of humus. Propagate from seed and cuttings.