2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Tecoma (Latin Tecoma) - a genus consisting of shrubs and small trees, included in the Bignoniaceae family (lat. Bignoniaceae). Today the genus has 12 species of plants growing on the lands of the two Americas, and 2 species growing on the African continent. We often
"Tekomoy" call the plant
"Campsis" (lat. Campsis). But botanists divide these plants into two independent genera in the Bignonium family. The genus "Tekoma" consists of 14 species of shrubs and small trees, and the genus "Campsis" has only two species, both of which are vines, or, as they are called in the English language literature, "climbers". What these two genera have in common is the tubular shape of the flowers.
Description
Branched shrubs or low branchy trees, thanks to their stunning appearance and tolerance to drought, have gained popularity in the landscape design of many resort towns today.
Simple green leaves with a graceful scalloped edge are very decorative. They can be evergreen, or leave the plant during prolonged drought. In some species, the leaves are pinnate.
Large bell flowers, gathered in friendly inflorescence families at the ends of the branches, attract the attention of even the most indifferent to beauty. The color of the bells depends on the type of plant. More often you can find bright yellow, yellow-brown flowers. There are species with surprisingly beautiful orange, orange-red or apricot large bells.
Popular types
* Tekoma upright
Tekoma erect (Latin Tecoma stans) is a spectacular shrub or multi-stemmed tree that attracts people's attention with its abundant and long-lasting flowering of golden-yellow bell-shaped flowers. Large flowers do not like loneliness and stray into gorgeous inflorescences, crowning numerous stems. The fragrant nectar of the flowers attracts bees and colorful butterflies, which help the plant in procreation. Yellow winged seeds hide in pods that replace inflorescences.
The plant is tolerant of shearing, and therefore it can be grown in large pots to be removed indoors during the cold period, since Tekoma is an erect plant, born in South America, is a thermophilic plant.
Simple oblong-oval green leaves are decorated with graceful teeth along the edge, giving the leaves a special charm. In addition, the leaves of the wild-growing Tecoma erectus are an excellent food for animals.
The inhabitants of the Bahamas chose Teku erectus as their floral emblem, idolizing its sunny bloom and the unpretentiousness of the plant, stoically enduring drought.
The unpretentiousness of the plant is used to strengthen crumbling mountain slopes. Tekoma erectus not only strengthens, but also contributes to the health of the soil, like plants of the legume family.
* Tekoma Cape
Tekoma Cape (Latin Tecoma capensis) is an evergreen upright branchy shrub native to southern African lands. In our cold lands, exotic lovers grow Tekomu Cape as a houseplant, giving it a slightly different name - Cape Tekomaria.
The shape of the flowers of the plant is the same as that of Tekoma erect, but the color of the bells is different. Cape Tekoma chose the orange component of the solar spectrum for its inflorescences, using different shades, from pure orange to orange-red, or the color of ripe apricots. At the base of the bell tube, nectar is prepared for pollinators.
Numerous stems are covered with leaves that can be simple or feathery. The edge of the leaves is jagged, the color of different shades of green.
Requires the attention of the gardener, because he likes to grow in width, clinging to the shooting tips of growth on the support that has turned up "under the arm".
Growing
Propagate any kind of Teku by sowing seeds, or by cuttings.
Plants are thermophilic and are highly drought-resistant. In case of prolonged drought, it is better to resort to artificial watering so that the plant does not shed its leaves. And flowering is much more abundant if the plant receives moisture in a timely manner.
Grows best on sandy, limestone soils that provide good drainage.
Some species that have taken root in North America have adapted to cold weather and endure short-term frosts down to minus 20 degrees.
