Orange flame vine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Orange flame vine |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Combretum
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| Species: |
fruticosum
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| Synonyms | |
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Combretum farinosum Kunth |
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The Orange Flame Vine (scientific name: Combretum fruticosum) is a beautiful plant known for its bright, fiery orange flowers. It's also called the Chameleon Vine because its flowers can sometimes change color. This amazing vine grows in many places, from Mexico all the way down to northern Argentina.
About the Orange Flame Vine
The Orange Flame Vine is a type of plant called a liana. A liana is a woody vine that climbs up other plants or structures. This vine can grow quite tall! If it doesn't have anything to climb on, it reaches about 3 meters (10 feet) high. But if it finds support, it can climb up to 11 meters (36 feet) tall. Its branches are round and have small ridges, like stripes.
Its Leaves
The leaves of the Orange Flame Vine are usually always on the plant, or they might fall off only during very dry times. They are thick and feel dry. Each leaf is simple, meaning it's just one piece, and they usually grow opposite each other on the stem. Sometimes, they might grow in an alternating pattern. The leaves are about 6 to 16 centimeters (2.4 to 6.3 inches) long and 3 to 8 centimeters (1.2 to 3.1 inches) wide. Their edges are smooth, and they have a short stem called a petiole that connects them to the branch.
Its Flowers
The bright flowers of the Orange Flame Vine usually appear in the summer. They can be yellowish or reddish in color. These small flowers grow together in groups called spikes, which are like long clusters. Each spike is about 8 to 16 centimeters (3.1 to 6.3 inches) long and grows from where the leaves meet the stem.
The flower has a bell-shaped part called a calyx with four small lobes, about 5 millimeters long. It also has four tiny petals, only 1 to 1.5 millimeters long. The most noticeable part might be the eight stamens, which are the parts that hold pollen. These stamens are quite long, about 3 centimeters, and have reddish tips called anthers. Each flower cluster can have many flowers, usually between 52 and 93!
Its Fruit
After the flowers bloom, the plant forms its fruit in the autumn. The fruit is dry and does not open up to release seeds (this is called indehiscent). It's about 2 centimeters (0.8 inches) long and has a reddish-brown color.
See also
- In Spanish: Combretum fruticosum para niños
