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In the Gardens

Brazilian Spider Flower

Tibouchina urvilleana

Bloom time

All year round.

Characteristics

The shrub grows up to 3 m (10‘) tall and has oval, tapered, velvety leaves. Each leave is conspicuously sub-divided by several longitu-dinal veins from which are branching smaller, vertical leaf nerves. The flowers con-sist of five bluish-purple pet-als. The stamens are thread-shaped and curved like horns.

Site:

Mainly situated in the north of the island, the Brazilian Spider Flower can be found in gardens and parks at an altitude of 200-700 m (220-765 yd.). It prefers a more shady and humid hab-itat. You may for example find various speci-mens in the Quinta do Santo da Serra (196).

Interesting to know:

The Brazilian Spider Flower is native to Brazil and the adjoining countries. Today it is a popu-lar ornamental plant in all tropical and subtrop-ical regions for its showy blossoms. The genus’ name derives from a denomination in a native Guiana language. It was introduced in litera-ture by the French natural scientist Aublet who visited Guiana in 1762. The genus Tibouchina consists of about 250 species, all of them con-taining plentiful aluminium. The Indian medi-cine appreciates the plant for its styptic effects.

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