Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides facts for kids

The Mexican flamevine, known scientifically as Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides, is a beautiful climbing plant. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes sunflowers and daisies. This plant is famous for its bright orange and red flowers.

It originally comes from Mexico, Central America, and the West Indies. People often grow it in gardens, especially in places like Florida, because of its stunning blooms. Sometimes, it can even be found growing wild in areas where it was once planted.

Quick facts for kids Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Asterales
Family:	Asteraceae
Subfamily:	Asteroideae
Tribe:	Senecioneae
Genus:	Pseudogynoxys
Species:	P. chenopodioides
Binomial name
Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides (Kunth) Cabrera
Synonyms
Gynoxys berlandieri DC. Gynoxys berlandieri var. cordifolia DC. Gynoxys berlandieri var. cuneata DC. Gynoxys cordifolia Cass. Gynoxys fragrans Hook. Gynoxys haenkei DC. Pseudogynoxys berlandieri (DC.) Cabrera Pseudogynoxys haenkei (DC.) Cabrera Pseudogynoxys hoffmannii (Klatt) Cuatrec. Senecio berlandieri (DC.) Hemsl. Senecio calocephalus Hemsl. Senecio calocephalus Poepp. Senecio chenopodioides Kunth Senecio chinotegensis Klatt Senecio confusus Britten Senecio convolvuloides Greenm. Senecio hemsleyi Britten Senecio hoffmannii Klatt Senecio kermesinus Hemsl. Senecio rothschuhianus Greenm. Senecio skinneri Hemsl.

What it Looks Like

The Mexican flamevine is a type of vine that loves to climb. It can grow quite tall, sometimes reaching up to 5 meters (about 17 feet) high!

Flowers and Fruit

Its flowers are the most striking part. They have bright orange to red petals, called ray flowers. The center of the flower has orange disc flowers. After the flowers, the plant produces ribbed fruits. These fruits have small, stiff bristles that stay on them.

Growing Mexican Flamevine

Many people love to grow the Mexican flamevine in their gardens. It's a popular choice because its bright, showy flowers add a lot of color.

What it Needs to Grow

If you want to grow this plant, here's what it needs:

• Lots of Sun: It thrives in full sunlight.
• Good Soil: The soil should drain well, meaning water doesn't sit around its roots.
• Something to Climb: Since it's a vine, it needs a trellis or another plant, like a shrub, to climb on.

Cold Weather Survival

In places where it gets cold, frost can damage the vine's shoots. However, the roots of the Mexican flamevine are quite tough. In most parts of the United States, the roots can survive the winter and grow new shoots in the spring.

Images for kids

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  Climbing a trellis in California.