Glowvine Plant

The Glowvine Plant (Saritaea magnifica, Bignoniaceae) is a climbing shrub classified as one of the climber plants suitable for cultivation in Riyadh, the capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It belongs to the Bignoniaceae family and is native to Colombia, Ecuador, and tropical regions.

It thrives in high to moderately low humidity levels and requires low maintenance. The plant propagates through seed planting and seedling transplantation. It is sensitive to urban, dry, and waterlogged environments, requiring heavy irrigation. It has a moderate salinity tolerance of three thousand parts per million and can withstand temperatures as low as three degrees Celsius.

The glowvine is a fast-growing plant, reaching a height of three to six m and spreading five to seven m. It is vigorous, growing up to six m in length. The plant has dense, dark green leaves, and its stem cross-section is round with longitudinal ridges. Its leaves are smooth, leathery, and oval-shaped, with two unequal leaflets at the terminal end and two additional leaflets at the base of the petiole that turn reddish-orange in winter.

Its flowers are large and bell-shaped, with a reddish-purple color and a yellow throat with fine hairs and nectar guides. They are fragrant, borne in clusters, and bloom from spring to fall. Its fruits appear as long, flat capsules.

The Glowvine thrives in deep, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It requires warm, sunny locations with some light shade, especially in Riyadh. It is sensitive to frost and needs protection from the wind.

It should be watered deeply and regularly every four weeks during the summer. Adding fully decomposed organic fertilizer to the soil each spring is recommended. Preventive treatment with systemic fungicides is necessary, as the Glowvine is susceptible to fungal diseases. Additionally, an insecticide should be applied before the onset of hot weather to protect against pests, particularly aphids. Aside from these measures, the Glowvine requires minimal maintenance.