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Allamanda
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Allamanda

Allamanda cathartica

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
Related

Basic Details

NameAllamanda
DescriptionSpectacular tropical shrub or vine featuring large, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom year-round in warm climates. Flowers measure 3-5 inches across in vibrant shades of golden yellow, purple, peach, and red with a distinctive flared funnel shape. Glossy, dark green leaves provide an attractive backdrop to the showy blooms that resemble golden trumpets or loudspeakers.
FamilyApocynaceae
GenusAllamanda
TribePlumerieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula⊕ ⚥ K(5) C(5) A5 G(2)

Radially symmetrical, bisexual flower with 5 fused sepals forming a small calyx, 5 fused petals creating the trumpet shape, 5 free stamens, and 2 fused carpels with superior ovary typical of Apocynaceae

Features
  • Named after Swiss botanist Frédéric-Louis Allamand who sent specimens to Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. The species name 'cathartica' refers to its purgative properties in traditional medicine
  • Large trumpet or funnel-shaped flowers with 5 broad, overlapping petals that flare outward from a narrow tube. Blooms continuously in tropical conditions, with peak flowering in warm months
  • Evergreen perennial that can be grown as a compact shrub (3-5 feet) or trained as a vigorous climbing vine reaching 10-20 feet. Contains milky latex sap that is toxic if ingested
  • Grows 3-5 feet as a shrub or climbs 10-20 feet as a vine with support. Lifespan of 10-15 years with proper care. Propagated easily from stem cuttings or layering
  • Native to tropical regions of Brazil and northern South America. Now widely cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical zones worldwide including India, Southeast Asia, and southern United States
  • Thrives in full sun with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Requires well-drained soil and regular watering during growing season. Heat and humidity tolerant but sensitive to frost
  • Attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. All parts are toxic to humans and pets due to alkaloid compounds. Used in traditional medicine but requires expert knowledge due to toxicity

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificAllamanda cathartica
English (Alternate)Yellow Allamanda, Common Trumpet Vine, Angel's Trumpet, Golden Trumpet Vine, Buttercup Flower, Yellow Bell, and Angel's Trumpet, Biscuit allamanda, Harkakra, and Pilaghant.
Hindiपीलघंटी (Pīlaghanṭī)
Tamilகொலாம்பி (Kolaambi),மஞ்சள்-பட்டி) (Manjal-patti),அலமண்டா (Allamanda)
Telugu అల్లెనంద తీగ (Allenandatheega),
Malayalamകോളാമ്പി (kōḷāmpi) meaning gramophone or lougspeaker
Kannadaಅರಿಸಿನ ಹೂ (Arsina Hoo), ಹಳದಿ ಹೂ (Haladi Hoo)
Sanskritपीलघंटी (Pīlaghanṭī)- Pila means yellow and Ghanti means bell
Bengaliঅলকানন্দা (Alakānandā), ঘন্টা ফুল (Ghaṇṭā phul)
FrenchAllamanda
RussianАлламанда (Allamanda)
SpanishAllamanda, Campana de oro
GermanAllamande, Goldtrompete

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.