Solandra maxima Cup of Gold Flower
by Sharon Mau
Title
Solandra maxima Cup of Gold Flower
Artist
Sharon Mau
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Cup of gold, sometimes called chalice vine, is a heavy, thick stemmed tropical liana with large shiny leaves and large bell shaped golden yellow flowers. The thick and woody rope like stems branch frequently and root at their nodes, and can run for more than 200 ft (61 m), clinging with aerial rootlets and scrambling over everything in the way.
The evergreen leaves are leathery, about 6 in (15.2 cm) long and elliptic, with prominent lighter coloured midribs and lateral veins. The flowers are truly spectacular, shaped like a chalice, 6-10 in (15.2-25.4 cm) long, flaring open to 4-7 in (10.2-17.8 cm) across. The five lobes of the corolla are reflexed, and each lobe is marked with a narrow purplish brown ridge on the inside. The flowers start out yellow and turn deeper golden as they age. They are fragrant, especially at night, with a scent reminiscent of coconut.
There are eight species of chalice vines
The chalice vines are related to the angel trumpets (Datura spp. and Brugmansia spp.), and like them, have hallucinogenic properties. They are used in sacred ceremonies in Mexico.
The flowers, and probably all parts, of chalice vines are poisonous and while the flowers are beautiful they are a rampant grower and are incredibly invasive . .
Common Names: chalice vine, cup of gold, goldcup vine, golden chalice vine
Family: Solanaceae (nightshade Family)
This plant is native to Mexico and Central America. The genus was named to honour 18th century Swedish botanist, Daniel Carl Solander who was one of Linnaeus' favorite students and best friend of Sir Joseph Banks and accompanied Banks on Captain Cook's travels around the world . The specific epithet is from the Latin word - maximus - meaning large in reference to this species of large flowers. Other common names include Golden Chalice Vine and Hawaiian Lily.
Information Source: Wikipedia
Solandra Maxima - Cup of Gold Flower
Makawao Maui Hawaii
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Uploaded
February 29th, 2012
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