Thunbergia alata

Black Eyed Susan Vine
Thunbergia alata
Type: Annual
Exposure: Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

This cheery looking climber is frequently seen in hanging baskets and summer blooming pots. Bright green foliage sprawls to 8ft (2.4m) tall and wide, and is covered with vivid yellow, five petaled flowers with a dark, purplish-brown or black throat. These blooms are between 1 and 1.5 in across (2.5-3.75cm), and the perfectly round centers are in such dark contrast to the brilliant petals that they look bottomless.  (It’s a bit creepy, actually… but that could just be me.) The faded flowers give way to interesting-looking seed pods; see the 3rd photo. Other varieties with differently-colored blooms are also available.

Cheers,

John