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Featured Plant
Iochroma spp.
Profile:
Scientific Name: lochroma spp. including I. cyaneum, I. fuchsioides and I. grandiflorum
Common Names: lochroma
Family: Solanaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen, vining shrubs to small trees
Environment: Native to forests of South America, they enjoy cooler conditions, but do need protection from frost. Love coastal California conditions.
Bloom: The tubular hummingbird-pollinated flowers come in blue, purple, red, yellow or white.
Uses: Commonly used as patio shrubs and conservatory plants, especially in harsh climates. Often trained as standards (topiary) to control their shape and size. Lax growth is otherwise best staked up, espaliered or draped over a fence. Attract hummingbirds and bees.
Location:
Mesoamerican Cloud Forest Beds: 24B, 25C, 29C, 29G;
Andean Cloud Forest Beds: 53D, 53I, 54A, 57D, 57F
November
About
Iochroma spp.
San Francisco Botanical Garden is a year-round pollinator's paradise. Our relatively mild coastal climate encourages the activity of nectar-seeking birds and bees throughout our winter months, and we have their food supply in hearty quantities. With our diverse collection of plant species from around the globe, there's always something in bloom. This season, the Garden's Iochroma species strut their stuff, adding communicative pops of color to our slowly-fading, green backdrop indicating an energy-rich meal for our small, winged residents.
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The genus Iochroma consists of 19 accepted species, with assessment focusing on at least as many additional species names to confirm their status as unique, additional species or as synonyms. Iochroma is in the Solanaceae family, and thus a relative of the nightshade and potato, among other familiar relatives. As with other members of this family, plant parts can be toxic. Flower color on our Garden specimens ranges from white to red-orange to varying shades of purple. Iochroma tend to grow as multiple-trunked, clump-forming shrubs to small trees. They can be sensitive to cold temperatures, but selections /hybrids are available that are rated as hardy to 5 to 10 F.
lochroma species are endemic to South America; ranging from Colombia to Argentina. Certain species have been used medicinally by native South American tribes.
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If you're fortunate to cross paths with the plant in the Garden, keep your eyes and ears alert for a hummingbird or two. They are seasonal favorites for these beaked beauties, and with some patience, you may find yourself a perfect photo opportunity as they reach deep into the flower for a sweet sip. Long beaks for long, tubular flowers, they are perfectly matched.
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IN BLOOM CONTRIBUTORS: Text by Corey Barnes and Profile by Mona Bourell. Photos by Joanne Taylor and Mona Bourell.
ARCHIVES: IN-BLOOM