Wednesday, 25 April 2012

FFF23 - FLORAL SNAILS

Vigna caracalla is a leguminous vine from the family Fabaceae, originating in tropical South America and Central America. The species is named "caracalla", fromt eh Latin for "hood or cloak", referring to the hooded shape of the open flowers. Some people suggest that this specific meaning comes from Caracas in Venezuela, but this is probably a misapprehension.

This perennial vine has fragrant flowers reminiscent of hyacinths. The buds, especially have a distinctive curled shape, giving rise to the common names "corkscrew vine", "snail vine", "snail creeper", or "snail bean". This vine is hardy in zones 9 and above, liking full sun and consistently damp soil. It prefers high heat and humidity and can become invasive if these conditions are met. In colder zones, it does well in a pot if it is overwintered inside.

Join me for Floral Friday Fotos by linking your flower photos below, and please leave a comment once you have done so!
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30 comments:

  1. Ebie25 April 2012 at 21:21

    The curls reminded me of my hair when I was a kid, but they are gone now.

    I am not sure if I have seen this before, but they are so lovely!

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  2. Andrea25 April 2012 at 22:27

    It is lovely, but i don't think i've seen it here in the tropics. I wish you have shown the pods or the leaves!

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    Replies
    1. Melbourne Australia Photos25 April 2012 at 22:40

      See here, Andrea:
      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vigna_caracalla

      Delete
  3. Valerie26 April 2012 at 02:57

    What a fascinating plant - a delightful blend of colour tones. Thanks for sharing (and hosting) Nick.

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  4. Cheryl26 April 2012 at 03:50

    What a gorgeous flower (sadly not one I'll likely see in reality).

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  5. BernieH26 April 2012 at 04:35

    This beauty is on my wish list. Haven't ever seen it up here in the nurseries or markets, but I'm still looking.

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  6. A wondering star26 April 2012 at 05:39

    Beautiful flower!
    Many friends grow exotic plants; plants like grapes.
    We live in Zone 5
    Thanks for sharing

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  7. Libby26 April 2012 at 07:07

    Wow! Where do you FIND this stuff? Looks like something from the Marvelous Land of Oz - lol! Great photo, and thanks for sharing a new flower with us!

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  8. Unknown26 April 2012 at 09:05

    a delightful flower! this looks familiar but i couldn't remember the name of the flower.:(

    Fire Tree

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  9. Francisca26 April 2012 at 09:37

    What a whimsical flower! Although it looks like a corkscrew, that name seems much too tough for this delicate shape and clolour. I'm with Andrea... haven't seen it in the Philippines.

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  10. NatureFootstep26 April 2012 at 10:08

    a very interesting flower that I never seen before. Thanks for sharing it. :)

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  11. Mildred26 April 2012 at 10:51

    Gorgeous pic!
    The portuguese word for snail is "caracol" which resembles a lot to "caracalla"! Strange, isn't it? Thanks for sharing your wonderful meme. Must look in my archives for beautiful flowers and come back later;o)

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  12. Modern Mom26 April 2012 at 10:55

    This is a first for me. They are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

    Oregano

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  13. Birgitta26 April 2012 at 11:34

    Wow! Such a special and cute flower! Have never seen it before.

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  14. Karin M.26 April 2012 at 13:26

    Great photo work, very nice colors ...
    Best regards, Karin

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  15. Anonymous26 April 2012 at 18:26

    Thank you for posting this great picture and information.
    The flower seems to be very similar to Fabaceae: Apios americana - Groundnut
    A perennial vine native to eastern North America.

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  16. Forsythea Nelms26 April 2012 at 21:03

    WOW! Such a lovely flower! I've seen this before somewhere, it's just gorgeous!

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  17. SeaThreePeeO26 April 2012 at 22:26

    Wow, they really do look like little snails. What a weird flower.

    Herding Cats


    http://seathreepeeo.blogspot.co.uk

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  18. lotusleaf26 April 2012 at 23:23

    That is an unusual and beautiful flower. Thanks for giving an opportunity to share our flower pictures!

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  19. RobertN26 April 2012 at 23:43

    Beautiful and very interesting! Best wishes!

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  20. Halcyon27 April 2012 at 05:38

    What an interesting flower. I've never seen anything like it!

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  21. colleen27 April 2012 at 09:35

    I've never seen a flower like that. What whimsy and beauty! http://looseleafnotes.com

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  22. Unknown27 April 2012 at 11:46

    Lovely forms and colors these flowers have, Nick! Never seen it, but might grow here...

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  23. betty-NZ27 April 2012 at 19:55

    I love interesting flowers like that! This one is so unique.

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  24. Anonymous27 April 2012 at 22:33

    Beautiful shot! I just love those purple twisted blooms! So unique. Thank you for hosting this week. Hope you have a terrific weekend. :-)

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  25. SquirrelQueen28 April 2012 at 00:08

    It really does look like little snails only prettier. It is a beautiful bloom, our climate is too cold in the winter for it but I wouldn't mind have one in a planter.

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  26. Miss Charming28 April 2012 at 07:03

    Such an interesting looking flower. I'm loving the beautiful purple.

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  27. Anonymous28 April 2012 at 09:20

    For awhile there, I thought that these were sweet peas. Anyway, these are lovely flowers that have been captured in a photograph so well. :-)
    Thank you for the link up.
    Have a great weekend.

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  28. Nilson Soares1 May 2012 at 03:45

    Sir,

    I like this place, i will stay here,

    by,

    Nilson Soares

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  29. Unknown1 May 2012 at 07:50

    Amazingly beautiful!

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