Pandorea jasminoides
Plant Number: 58
Common Name: Bower
of Beauty
Scientific Name: Pandorea jasminoides
Derivation of name
Pandorea – In Greek Mythology Pandora opened a sealed vessel to release evil spirits. In relation to the plant this refers to the many seeds released once the capsule is split open
jasminoides – From the Latin word, 'jasmine' and the Greek work 'oides', meaning "resembling", referring to a resemblance to the genus Jasminum
Description
Evergreen, vigorous woody climber which is typically found in tropical and subtropical rainforests and warm temperate areas of eastern Queensland to northern New South Wales
Flowers are white or pale pink trumpet-shaped with hairy centres, up to 6 cm long, which appear in clusters for months from late spring to summer
Flowers are followed by immature light green, oblong stalked fruit capsules that mature in woody pods about 8 cm long and 2 cm winged
Boat-shaped pods open to reveal numerous papery seeds which are circular and winged
The Pandorea species develops a strong and penetrating root system and should not be planted near underground pipelines
Acknowledgment: Australian National Botanic Gardens, Australian National Herbarium
Photo: Angus Stewart gardendrum.com.au