Amphilophium crucigerum
Common name
Monkeys comb, monkeys hairbrush
Synonyms
Pithecoctenium crucigerum
Family
Bignoniaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Lianes & Related Trailing Plants - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Detailed description
This is a semi-evergreen vine from Mexico south to Argentina. It forms a slender climbing vine with hexagonal branches. Leaves 2-3 foliate, with terminal leaflet often replaced by tendril. Terminal racemes of fleshy white flowers, with yellow throat. The distinctive fruit is a large flattened woody capsule (up to 30 x 7 cm) that is very spiny, and contains winged seeds.
Similar taxa
It can be confused with an Argentine species. P. cynchoides which is also white with yellow streaks in the throat.
Flower colours
White, Yellow
Year naturalised
2003
Origin
This was not known to be in NZ prior to collection in Whanganui 2003.
Reason for introduction
Unknown
Notes on common name
According to regional folklore, a ghostly yet beautiful woman called Xtabay appears in isolated settlements, combing her hair with the rough-surfaced fruits of this liana.
References and further reading
Lohmann, L.G.; Taylor, C.M. 2014: A new generic classification of tribe Bignoniaceae. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 99(3): 348–489.
NZPCN Fact Sheet citation
Please cite as: Ogle, C. (Year at time of access): Amphilophium crucigerum Fact Sheet (content continuously updated). New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/amphilophium-crucigerum/ (Date website was queried)