Tecoma capensis (Cape Honeysuckle) is a scrambling shrub which may grow very tall, up to 10 feet in height. It is widely cultivated here as it is easily propagated. Propagation is through cuttings or the even easier way is by removing rooted suckers. Cape honeysuckle is a sun worshipper but can still thrive in semi-shade.
The compound
leaves comprise elliptical leaflets with a ziz zag outline.
It flowers all year round. The tubular flowers vary from red to deep orange
.
Stamens protrude from the flowers ending in purple-red anthers,
Clusters are terminal. In the background is the yellow Tecoma Stans.
Tecoma capensis is not only ornamental but is a magnet for birds and butterflies. Sunbirds are particularly attracted to its nectar and thus aid in its pollination.
It checked out the flowers in the cluster one by one.
Tecoma capensis is an
ornamental garden plant and commonly planted for its high visual appeal. To keep this shrub neat and compact, it must be constantly pruned back to promote new growth and flowers.
It flowers all year round. The tubular flowers vary from red to deep orange
.
Stamens protrude from the flowers ending in purple-red anthers,
Clusters are terminal. In the background is the yellow Tecoma Stans.
Tecoma capensis is not only ornamental but is a magnet for birds and butterflies. Sunbirds are particularly attracted to its nectar and thus aid in its pollination.
It checked out the flowers in the cluster one by one.
Its curved long beak fits snugly into the tubular section of the flower.
When it was done with one cluster, it turned to another.
Here it is getting ready to take flight.
A single flower bud.
Some foamy bubbly stuff was deposited here. It didn't stay long as the heavy showers washed it off the next day
Bird has created for the cup beak. I envy you still blossoming flowers. For me coming winter. Regards
ReplyDeleteIt does look like 'A Chicken and Egg' situation. We do not know whether the bird adapted its beak to the flower or the flower evolves to adapt to the bird's beak. Yes, we do have full sunshine and flowers year round but the trade-off is that we do not get to enjoy the the beauty of the four seasons.
DeleteWow! Absolutely gorgeous series of shots. The sunbirds beak is ideally suited to extract the néctar. Love the 12th photo showing how its done. I imagine the perfume must arouse the sunbirds interest!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, thanks. I love that photo too, particularly the intensity of the activity. The bird was totally absorbed in imbibing the nectar but still remained wide-eyed to take flight at the slightest provocation.
DeleteKrzew ten uwielbiam i nawet u nas one kwitną. Kolibry kocham i z radością zawsze patrzę na te urocze ptaszki. Pozdrawiam.
ReplyDeleteThis shrub love and even among us they bloom. Hummingbirds love and joy always look at these cute birds. Yours.
It warms my heart to learn from you that Tecoma capensis is a universally loved plant. I wish we can get some hummingbirds to migrate here. I love looking at pictures of them.
DeleteThis flower is awesome! Love the bright bold brilliant contrast in colors...purple against orange!! Melt my heart :)
ReplyDeleteIt has a sweet fragrance I think. And guess what? This bird made a nest on a tree in front of my bedroom window Looking at her is a delight especially when she comes home for feeding! Lovely post Elsie.
Wonder what those bubbles are for..any idea?
Hi Ash, the bright cheery orange colour ia certainly uplifting. I do not detect any discernible fragrance in the flower, but I'm certain that there is plenty of nectar at the end of the tubular part.
DeleteIts most delightful to watch them going about their domestic activities. They are just like us, humans in the care of their young, including feeding, looking into shelter and protection against predators.
I wonder whether the bubbles are tree frog spawn, but then don't they lay their eggs in water?
Frog eggs? Don't they get dehydrated on a branch like that? Why don't you take a closer look at it today and see if you see their big eyes inside..haha!
DeleteUnfortunately, this mass of bubbly was washed off by the heavy downpour. You know how 'lebat' our thunderstorms are.
Deletethese blazing bird pics are phenomenal
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon for the encouraging words.
DeleteI didn't know that Sunbirds loves this flowers.
ReplyDeleteI used to have it before but they rarely flowers as they were in the shades.
Eventually it got too leggy and I had given it away.
Truly its spectacular to see sunbirds feeding in your garden.
This particular bush where the Sunbird fed on was planted in a container. It is a low maintennance plant with flowering year round. Pruning is required for it to look its best.
DeleteThis flower Tecoma capensis reminds me small gladioli or maybe montbretia. Very lovely and great photos, Elsie
ReplyDeleteI remember gladioli have a range of colours, one of which is a vivid orange colour. Thanks for the encouraging words.
DeleteI have this plant too! They are really beautiful! Now I realize I have sun bird at my garden too ! The foamy bubbles belong to frogs?
ReplyDeleteHi Malar, I'm glad we have a shared interest in this plant. So, you can now start bird-watching too - its fun. I still have not determined the mystery of the bubbles. Do you suppose one of the critters is having its bubble bath? ;)
DeleteVery pretty shots of the flower and the sunbird!
ReplyDeleteThank you Ironglim.
DeleteStiletto ElsieXie, one day if you give photography lesson, I will be the first one to sign up :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie, thanks for the compliments. I don't mind at all but your photography is good too. Actually my photography is based on trial and error; an interplay of F-stop, shutter speed and ISO.
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