Petrea volubilis

(Click image to Enlarge)

Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

  • Botanical Name : Petrea volubilis Woodr.
  • Common Name : Nilambha, Purple Wreath
  • Plant Family : Verbenaceae
  • Plant Form : Climbers
  • Occurrence (Sectors) : 28
  • Occurrence (Special Areas) : Gujarat Forestry Research Foundation

About Petrea volubilis Plant :

  • Habit : An extensive climber.
  • Leaves : Opposite very rough, ovate, elliptic or oblong, acuminate, entire wavy.
  • Inflorescence : Drooping axillary racemes.
  • Flowers :
    • Calyx tube cup-like, with 5 petaloid, membranous lobes, lilac or bluish in colour, persistent, star-like.
    • Corolla salver-shaped, deep blue or purple, curved, hairy, lobes 5, broadly elliptic didynamous.
    • Ovary 2-celled, on a disc, style filiform, stigma capitate.
  • Fruits : With persistent calyx, hairy.
  • Flowering and Fruiting Time : January - March
  • Significance : Cultivated in the gardens as one of the most beautiful climbers, with long spikes of star-like blue flowers.