Argyreia Nervosa Flowers

Growth

• Argyreia nervosa is a tropical species with a limited range in the United States; it is best suited for Florida and Hawaii. This climbing vine grows well in areas with direct sunlight and moist but well-drained soil. The Argyreia nervosa can reach heights of 30 feet and has a strong growth potential. It will require regular pruning when grown indoors.

Plant Characteristics

• The Argyreia nervosa is a perennial climbing vine that grows a thick woody stem. This vine has relatively large heart-shaped green leaves measuring up to a foot wide with furry white down covering their undersides. This downy fur extends to the growing stems of the plant. The Argyreia nervosa produces flowers in the spring and summer months which produce small woody seed pods divided into five sections.

Flower Characteristics

• The flowers of the Argyreia nervosa grow in shades of pink and purple in an elongated trumpet shape. These flowers have lightly colored petals with deeper shading in the center. These flowers grow in clusters of elongated stems with a graceful look. The flowers of Argyreia nervosa have high levels of sucrose that attract pollinating insects and animals. In India this plant often attracts the hawkmoth, a relative of the hummingbird moths found in North America.

Propagation

• The Argyreia nervosa is a rapidly growing plant that can establish itself in a variety of conditions. The main methods for propagating this vine are seeds and cuttings. Argyreia nervosa is capable of growing in open or wooded areas where it can climb other plants to expose its leaves to open sunlight.

Uses

• The Argyreia nervosa is typically grown for its medicinal uses or as an ornamental species. The roots of the Argyreia nervosa are used for a variety of purposes in India according to the practice of ayurveda, a traditional form of Indian medicine. Although the roots of this plant have a number of beneficial properties when used correctly, the other parts of the plant are considered toxic, according to the University of Connecticut.