Lophospermum erubescens aka Mexican Twist

Taxonomy

Genus Lophospermum Family Plantaginaceae Order Lamiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Lophospermum erubescens, also known as Mexican twist or creeping gloxinia, is a climbing or sprawling herbaceous perennial plant native to the Sierra Madre Oriental mountains of Mexico. It can be found along forest margins or canyon walls and climbs using twining leaf stalks. The wild plants display pink and white tubular flowers, although other colors can be found in cultivation. This ornamental plant has been cultivated since at least 1830. While not frost-hardy, it can survive if its base and roots are protected from freezing during winter. It has also escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. Lophospermum erubescens is often confused with Lophospermum scandens, but it can be distinguished by its more climbing habit, with numerous twining leaf stalks, as well as broader sepals that are joined at the base for only 2-3 mm. Despite being called creeping gloxinia, it is not closely related to either the true Gloxinia species from South America or the flowering houseplant known as gloxinia, Sinningia speciosa. This climbing evergreen perennial, often grown as an annual, features twining leaf stalks, triangular leaves, and solitary, trumpet-shaped rose-pink flowers that can reach up to 7cm in length during the summer and autumn.

Common names

Mexican Twist, Creeping Gloxinia, Roving Sailor

How to care for Mexican Twist

Water

Mexican Twist should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Lighting

Mexican Twist requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Creeping Gloxinia is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

More info:
Wikipedia