Tecoma
Tekoma (lat. Tecoma) is a genus consisting of shrubs and small trees, included in the Bignoniaceae family (lat. Bignoniaceae).
Today, the genus includes 12 species of plants growing in the lands of the two Americas, and 2 species growing on the African continent. In our country, the plant “Campsis” (lat. Campsis) is often called “Tekoma”. But botanists divide these plants into two independent genera in the Bignoniaceae family. The genus “Tekoma” consists of 14 species of shrubs and small trees, and the genus “Kampsis” has only two species, both of which are vines, or, as they are called in English literature, “climbers”. What these two genera of plants have in common is the tubular shape of the flowers.
Description
Branched shrubs or low branched trees, due to their stunning appearance and tolerance to drought, have now gained popularity in the landscape design of many resort towns.
The simple green leaves with a graceful serrated edge are very decorative. They can be evergreen or leave the plant during prolonged drought. Some species have pinnate leaves.
Large bell-shaped flowers, collected in friendly family-inflorescences at the ends of the branches, attract the attention of even the most indifferent person to beauty. The color of the bells depends on the type of plant. More often you can find bright yellow, yellow-brown flowers. There are species with amazingly beautiful orange, orange-red or apricot large bells.
Popular types
* Tekoma erecta
Tecoma erecta (lat. Tecoma stans) is a spectacular shrub or multi-stemmed tree that attracts the attention of people with its abundant and long-lasting flowering of golden-yellow bell-shaped flowers. Large flowers do not like loneliness and cluster in luxurious inflorescences crowning numerous stems. The fragrant nectar of the flowers attracts bees and colorful butterflies, which help the plant in procreation. Yellow winged seeds are hidden in pods that appear to replace inflorescences.
The plant is tolerant of pruning, and therefore can be grown in large pots to be moved indoors during the cold season, since Tecoma erecta, native to South America, is a heat-loving plant.
Simple oblong-oval green leaves are decorated along the edge with graceful teeth, giving the leaves a special charm. In addition, the leaves of wild Tecoma erecta are an excellent food for animals.
Residents of the Bahamas chose Tecoma erecta as their floral emblem, idolizing its sunny blooms and the unpretentiousness of the plant, which stoically endures drought.
The unpretentiousness of the plant is used to strengthen crumbling mountain slopes. Tekoma erecta not only strengthens, but also promotes soil health, like plants of the legume family.
* Tekoma cape
Cape tekoma (lat. Tecoma capensis) is an evergreen erect branched shrub native to southern African lands. In our cold regions, exotic lovers grow Tecoma cape as a houseplant, giving it a slightly different name — Tecomaria cape.
The shape of the plant”s flowers is the same as that of Tecoma erecta, but the color of the bells is different. Tecoma cape chose the orange component of the solar spectrum for its inflorescences, using different shades, from pure orange to orange-red, or the color of ripe apricots. The base of the bell tube contains nectar for pollinators.
Numerous stems are covered with leaves, which can be simple or pinnate. The edges of the leaves are jagged and vary in shades of green.
It requires the gardener”s attention, because it likes to grow in width, clinging with shooting tips of growth to the support that comes to hand.
Growing
Tecoma of any type is propagated by sowing seeds or cuttings.
The plants are heat-loving and highly drought-resistant. In case of prolonged drought, it is better to resort to artificial watering so that the plant does not lose its leaves. And flowering is much more abundant if the plant receives moisture in a timely manner.
Grows best in sandy, limestone soils that provide good drainage.
Some species that have taken root in North America have adapted to the cold and can tolerate short-term frosts down to minus 20 degrees.
