Trumpeting Away…

In November, I was informed of the wonderful floral show put forth by a specimen of Euclinia longiflora that was seen growing in the vicinity of Adam Road.  Many of us who would have easily and quickly drove past this plant and missed seeing it. But many thanks to the sharp and observant eyes of Keneric Ng from HortPark, National Parks Board, who managed to take some pictures which I have now the opportunity to post them on this blog to share with everyone. 

Euclinia longiflora  at Adam Road that was in bloom.

Commonly known via various names such as African Tree Gardenia or simply Angel’s Trumpets (can be confused with Brugmansia!) due to the shape of its flowers, Euclinia longiflora is a member of Rubiaceae, the plant family that our coffee plant belongs to! Do take note that Euclinia longiflora is also known via another synonymous botanical name, Randia macrantha.

A closer look at the trumpet-shaped blooms of Euclinia longiflora. 

This plant is native to Tropical Africa and near where it was spotted, the plant was found growing under a taller tree and was about 4 m tall in height. When left alone, the plant can grow into a tree of about 7m tall! The plant produces very attractive, light green, glossy foliage that is reminiscent as those found on the coffee plant. It can be grown in a large pot as a houseplant and like most other ornamental flowering shrubs, it must be given direct sunshine for 6 hours daily to encourage the plant to bloom.

A freshly opened flower that is white in colour. It turns yellow as it ages.

The flowers of Euclinia longiflora are mildly fragrant, turning a pale creamy yellow as it ages. The throat of each flower measured about an amazing 25cm long! It is held at one end via a distinctive sepal, which may come in handy when identifying plants from the Rubiaceae family. Members of this family also feature persistent stipules that can be found on dormant and newly emerging growth points.

The distinctive sepals that held the flowers of  Euclinia longiflora.  

Note the appearance of the persistent stipules found on dormant growth points in members of Rubiaceae.   

Emergent new growth wrapping a flower bud protected with the same persistent stipules. 

Euclinia longiflora can also be found in one of our public parks and as you can easily guess, two specimens can be gound growing at HortPark’s Irrigation Pond and Floral Walk.