Strange plant/tree with flowers in my yard, trying to identify
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This is the rope like vine that grows off of these broad leafed tree. When the "flowers" bloom they immediately fall off the tree. I have just never seen anything like this before except for in movies, I would like to identify the plant so I can decide if I am keeping it or cutting it down.
Another view with flower buds or pods hanging
23 answers
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I saw this on the Fox news channel yesterday for Earth Day. Charlie was at the county extintion office and this plant was on there as an invasive plant. Get rid of it.
Nancy Ebersole
on Apr 24, 2015
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All plants are invasive if you don't want them.. What the heck is it? LOL I am sure there are more in my yard I just haven't found them yet.
Lee Cunningham Green
on Apr 24, 2015
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I think it's kind of cool. Definitely going to keep following this thread to see if anyone turns up with a name for it. I looked at the County extension in your area and checked statewide too. I can't find it in any Fla invasive species list.
Gonfshn77302
on Apr 24, 2015
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#gonfshn77302 neither could I I probably looked at 500 plants and on the fox news threads. There are many many invasive plants but I saw nothing that even vaguely resembles this. So I will be very happy when someone comes up with a name.
Lee Cunningham Green
on Apr 24, 2015
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I'm following as well! Have you noticed any strange lights in the sky!?
Sheryl Johnson
on Apr 24, 2015
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The info I found called it a Cathedral Bells, or Cup and Saucer plant.
Kimberly Hawkins
on Apr 25, 2015
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Could you post a picture of the leaves? And have you tried taking it to the Lee county extension office?
Leona G
on Apr 25, 2015
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That's awesome, Kimberly! Thank you for the info. I have 1 side of my property 'fenced' in wisteria, 1 side in white jasmine and as soon as I can get some of these going a 3rd side will be Cathedral Bells. Gorgeous vine.
Gonfshn77302
on Apr 25, 2015
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Just ordered a few dozen seeds and I can't wait to get these beauties going!
Gonfshn77302
on Apr 25, 2015
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Contact your county Florida Extension office. It is part of University of Florida and have access to info and experts, then let us all know what you find out!
Linda
on Apr 25, 2015
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Be careful! You could unleash the next Kudzu!
Donna W
on Apr 25, 2015
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Well it appears to be in the family of the Cup and Saucer plant, it is about 20 foot tall and the blooms hang off of vines that literally grow out of the 'Tree' they are not on an invasive list that I saw, and this yard has been neglected for 10 years prior to me moving here. If it were invasive I am sure I would have seen more of them, and I have not. The leaves are a broad leaf, even structured the bark is a soft almost textureless bark, with a taupe/grey tone. The color is absolutely not purple or white or anything within those variables, the center of the flower is very green, by the stamen it becomes a mustard gold and the actual petals of the flower are a deep burgundy. So we are on the right track, perhaps it is a mutation of this species. I am still looking as I have seen nothing with this color pallet and the flower lacks the "Saucer".. but indeed looks very much like the bell. PS I was trying to take pictures of the leaves but it has been quite overcast and even standing on a chair I can't get close to them. I am not a tall woman.
Lee Cunningham Green
on Apr 25, 2015
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Davesgarden will link you to a supplier and Park Seed carries them, among others. I wound up purchasing them here: http://www.ebay.com/usr/turtlegaby .. I've had zero issue with any seeds I ever bought thru ebay (knock on wood).
Gonfshn77302
on Apr 25, 2015
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According to this page there are several color variants. http://zvetki.ru/en/f346-cathedral-bells-cup-and-saucer-plant-cup-and-saucer-vine-cobaea-scandens.htm
Gonfshn77302
on Apr 25, 2015
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UPDATE for the curious onlookers, my husband actually managed to find out what this is.. and it is indeed strange, It is an African Sausage Tree. It is called the Kigelia from the family of Bignoniaceae, the unripe fruit which apparently can be quite large is poison but in Africa they make medicine and a sort of beer out of them... It is admired for the Large vivid flowers that bloom at night. ? .. so now I want the Cathedral Flowers instead LOL
Lee Cunningham Green
on Apr 25, 2015
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So i am up in the air about it now. It is a really cool plant, but the fruit is toxic, it has been growing here for probably 25 years, there does not seem to be a wake of dead creatures here. The seeds are edible by some tropical parrots. and the Flowers are very cool.. now I just need advise. PS the fruit can be more than a foot in length and apparently can hurt should it fall on you. OMG....
Lee Cunningham Green
on Apr 25, 2015
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Lol! So mildly toxic fruit that hangs around waiting to ripen and cause concussions.. hmmm.. Think I'm glad I bought the wrong seed. I was wondering why I couldn't find anything with those huge ropy vines/stems. I'd still keep that tree as a conversation piece if it were in my yard. At least I got a new, interesting fence line out of this discussion.
Gonfshn77302
on Apr 26, 2015
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Yes and that brings to mind that next question Lol My hub and I have decided to keep the strange precariously dangerous fruited tree as just that because it certainly is unique. For the safety of loved ones I will have to take down a palm tree that is close to it, not to worry I have 100 palm trees but yes I need to establish a fence around this curiosity to prevent humans from finding shady comfort as I don't want a 15 lb missile shaped fruit to visit their heads uninvited. LO L I was thinking a cute little picket fence with a gate and I could make a flowerbed to the outside of it? I welcome input!!!
Lee Cunningham Green
on Apr 26, 2015
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I like the picket fence idea. They seem to be attractive trees. I wonder if yours will fruit without African bats to pollinate it? Haha.. Those branches seem to attract cheetahs too, so tread lightly :)
Gonfshn77302
on Apr 26, 2015
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the blooms are really quite interesting and pretty and seems as soon as some finish a new vine starts so that is exciting !
Lee Cunningham Green
on May 01, 2015
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Any sign of fruit yet? Would love to see that. Y'all figure out what to do about a fence yet?
Gonfshn77302
on May 15, 2015
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Bats are awesome critters ! All I have around here are the bug eating type. Not that they aren't fun to watch swooping around collecting mosquitoes but they are high speed. I think I'd be mesmerized by seeing any hover for nectar. If you ever get any fruit,maybe I could talk you into sending me a few seeds? May not do much in my zone but I'd love to give it a try. Looking forward to pics of your finished garden/sausage tree area.. haha..Not sure what to call it.
Gonfshn77302
on May 16, 2015
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Semi-toxic,exotic, attractive and capable of a knockout blow. What's not to like?
Gonfshn77302
on May 16, 2015
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