Amphilophium crucigerum
Common names
Monkeys comb, monkeys hairbrush
Biostatus
Exotic
Conservation status
Not applicable
Category
Vascular
Structural class
Lianes & Related Trailing Plants - Dicotyledons
Flower colours
White, Yellow
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.
Detailed taxonomy
Genus
Family
Synonyms
Pithecoctenium crucigerum
Endemic family
No
Ecology
Year naturalised
2003
Origin
This was not known to be in NZ prior to collection in Whanganui 2003.
Reason for introduction
Unknown
Other information
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.
Referencing and citations
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.