Species

Pithecoctenium crucigerum

Common Name(s)

monkeys comb, monkeys hairbrush

Authority

Pithecoctenium crucigerum (L.) A. Gentry

Family

Bignoniaceae

Flora Category

Vascular - Exotic

Structural Class

Dicotyledonous Lianes and Related Trailing Plants

Features

This is a semi-evergreen vine from southern Mexico south to Brazil. It forms a slender climbing vine with hexagonal branches. Leaves 2-3 foliate, with terminal leaflet often replaced by tendril. Terminal racemes of fleshy white flowers, with yellow throat. The distinctive fruit is a large flattened woody capsule (up to 30 x 7 cm) that is very spiny, and contains winged seeds.

Similar Taxa

It can be confused with an Argentine species. P. cynchoides which is also white with yellow streaks in the throat. However this species does not have P. crucigerums characteristic bent floral tube.

Flower Colours

White,Yellow

Year Naturalised

2003

Origin

Mexico. This is a new record for NZ and was not known to be in NZ prior to collection in Wanganui 2003.

Reason for Introduction

Unknown

Notes on common name

According to regional folklore, a ghostly yet beautiful woman called Xtabay appears in isolated settlements, combing her hair with the rough-surfaced fruits of this liana.

This page last updated on 26 Jul 2014