Bignonia Family
What are they?
The Bignonia family is a family of over 2,000 species of mostly woody trees and climbers. Species occur throughout much of the world but are largely centred on the tropics. A range of species are popular as ornamental garden plants in warmer countries, for their large, colourful and showy flowers. These flowers are often followed by equally large and elaborate seed capsules.
Where are they found?
There are no native species from this family in the UK, so plants are only likely to be found where planted or as relics of cultivation in urban and suburban areas. Most ornamental species are tropical or subtropical in origin and may not persist for long outside of cultivation.
Identification
The large, typically tubular or trumpet-shaped flowers will point towards this family. Details of the flowers and leaves should help to identify the species.
Indian Bean Tree Catalpa bignonioides
(Southern Catalpa) Introduced as a garden ornamental from North America and occasionally seen as an amenity tree. Flowers July to August. A broadly spreading, deciduous tree. Leaves large, to 30cm in length and width and opening purplish in late spring/early summer. Flowers large, trumpet-like and showy in loose panicles, followed by long, bean-like pods. Leaves have an unpleasant odour when crushed. Yellow-leaved forms are often favoured in parks and amenity areas.
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Chilean Glory-flower Eccremocarpus scaber
Introduced as a garden ornamental and once found self-seeding in Felixstowe, Suffolk. Flowers June to September. Evergreen climber with twice-pinnate leaves thatbear tendrils at the leaf tips. Forms a messy tangle of multiple branches.
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