Snailflower
Cochliasanthus caracalla
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Uruguay
Alex Lomas (www.flickr.com),Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil (www.flickr.com),Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil (www.flickr.com),Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil (www.flickr.com),Dave Whitinger (allthingsplants.com),Dave Whitinger (allthingsplants.com),Teclasorg (www.flickr.com),Cephas,Cephas,Teclasorg (www.flickr.com),Instituto Nacional da Mata Atlântica - INMA (en.wikipedia.org),Instituto Nacional da Mata Atlântica - INMA (en.wikipedia.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Cochliasanthus
- Species:
- Cochliasanthus caracalla
- USDA Symbol:
- VICA83
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, white, cream
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to tropical regions, prefers warm conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm stratification required — 7–14 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Scarify seed coat and soak in warm water before sowing. Germinates readily in warm soil.