Mexican flamevine

What does Mexican flamevine look like?

Mexican flamevine is a twining vine that can reach 5 to 10 metres in length, with thick, smooth stems that become woody as they age. Its leaves are evergreen, deep green, and shaped like arrows or lances, with toothed edges and a slightly fleshy feel. The plant produces clusters of daisy-like flowers about an inch across, with bright orange rays that can turn red or vermilion as they mature. The flowers have a light scent and golden centers. Its fruits are small, brown, and bristly, resembling tiny dandelion heads.

Where does Mexican flamevine come from?

This vine grows wild from Veracruz in Mexico, through Honduras, and into northern parts of South America, including Venezuela, Colombia, Guyana, and Suriname. It is also found in the Atlantic Forest region of Brazil. Over time, it has spread to many other places, including the southern United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, India, Singapore, and several islands, often escaping gardens and naturalizing in disturbed areas. Its scientific name refers to its resemblance to both goosefoot leaves and certain spiny-flowered plants.

When and how Mexican flamevine blooms

Mexican flamevine blooms throughout the year in mild climates, with the heaviest flowering in spring and summer. In places like Florida, it tends to flower more in autumn and winter, while in Puerto Rico, it blooms from late winter into early spring. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, climbing on trellises, fences, or shrubs. The plant can be grown from seed or stem cuttings, and it spreads easily by wind-blown seeds or rooting fragments.

How Mexican flamevine is used

Gardeners value Mexican flamevine for its bright flowers and ability to quickly cover fences or trellises. It is grown as an ornamental in many warm regions and sometimes used as a groundcover. The plant is mildly toxic if eaten and can cause skin irritation when handled, so care is needed around pets and children. In some areas, it is considered invasive because it spreads rapidly in the wild.

Kinds of Mexican flamevine

The plant is sometimes sold under the name 'São Paulo'. Without support, it can grow as a sprawling shrub. Its former scientific name, Senecio confusus, described its tangled growth and fluffy seed heads. There are no widely recognized cultivars, but its flower color can shift from orange to red as blooms age.

What Mexican flamevine means

Mexican flamevine is grown mainly for its decorative value in gardens. It is pollinated by butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. In some regions, it has become a symbol of rapid growth and resilience, but it is also listed as invasive in places like Hawaii and Anguilla. The plant's toxicity means it is not used in food or medicine.

Questions people ask about Mexican flamevine

Good reading and sources

• NParksNational Parks Board, Singapore, Article
• Pseudogynoxys chenopodioidesRoyal Horticultural Society, Article
• Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
• Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
• Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database

• Pseudogynoxys chenopodioides on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data