Scarlet clock vine - Thunbergia coccinea

Common Name :	Scarlet clock vine.
Binomial Name :	Thunbergia coccinea
Family :	Acanthaceae
Bangla Name :	Bashor lota
Photo Taken :	Bangladesh

Botanical Identity

Thunbergia coccinea, commonly known as Scarlet Clock Vine, is a striking ornamental climber belonging to the Acanthaceae family. The species is native to the Eastern Himalayan regions and parts of Southeast Asia, including India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. The genus Thunbergia is named after Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg, and coccinea refers to its vivid red (scarlet) coloration. This vine is admired for its bright, showy blooms and is often grown for its decorative value in tropical and subtropical gardens.

Plant Description

Thunbergia coccinea is a woody, evergreen climber that can reach lengths of 3 to 6 meters or more when supported. It climbs by twining its flexible stems around supports such as trellises, arbors, or other plants. The leaves are ovate to heart-shaped with a smooth or slightly toothed margin, and they provide a lush green backdrop to the fiery red blooms. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates and prefers well-drained soil with partial to full sunlight. It requires support to grow upright and benefits from occasional pruning to encourage flowering.

Flowers and Fruit Characteristics

The most eye-catching feature of Scarlet clock vine is its vibrant scarlet to deep orange-red tubular flowers, which are arranged in hanging racemes or clusters. Each flower has a long corolla tube with a slightly flaring mouth and appears in succession along the inflorescence. Blooming mainly during the warmer months, these flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. After flowering, the plant may produce capsule-like fruits, though flowering is typically the main ornamental appeal.

Uses and Ornamental Value

Primarily grown as an ornamental plant, Thunbergia coccinea is prized for adding dramatic color to vertical spaces in gardens, patios, and pergolas. Though not widely used for medicinal or culinary purposes, its aesthetic value makes it a favorite among landscape designers and garden enthusiasts. Its vibrant blooms offer visual appeal and also serve to attract pollinators, contributing to garden biodiversity.

Photos of this Scarlet clock vine (Thunbergia coccinea) were taken from the following locations:
1) February 2015: University of Dhaka.


Written by Lonely Traveler,
For blog icflora.blogspot.com