Hubbry Logo
MandevillaMandevillaMain
Open search
Mandevilla
Community hub
Mandevilla
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Mandevilla
Mandevilla
from Wikipedia

Mandevilla
Mandevilla sanderi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Gentianales
Family: Apocynaceae
Subfamily: Apocynoideae
Tribe: Mesechiteae
Genus: Mandevilla
Lindl.[1]
Synonyms

Amblyanthera Müll.Arg.
Dipladenia A.DC.
Eriadenia Miers
Laseguea A.DC.
Macrosiphonia Müll.Arg.
Mitozus Miers
Salpinctes Woodson[1][2]

Mandevilla /ˌmændɪˈvɪlə/[3] is a genus of tropical and subtropical flowering vines belonging to the family Apocynaceae. It was first described as a genus in 1840.[4] A common name is rocktrumpet.[5]

Mandevilla species are native to the Southwestern United States,[5] Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America. Many originate from the Serra dos Órgãos forests in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The genus was named after Henry Mandeville (1773-1861), a British diplomat and gardener.[6]

Cultivation and uses

[edit]

Mandevillas develop spectacular, often fragrant flowers in warm climates.[7] The flowers come in a variety of colours, including white, pink, yellow, and red. Many hybrids have been developed, mainly deriving from M. × amabilis, M. splendens, and M. sanderi.[8] As climbers, mandevillas can be trained against a wall or trellis to provide a leafy green, and often flowering covering.

The hybrid cultivars Mandevilla × amabilis 'Alice du pont' and Sundaville Cream Pink='Sunparapibra' [9] have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[10]

Species

[edit]

Accepted species[11]

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Mandevilla is a genus comprising approximately 170 species of mostly twining vines, lianas, and shrubs in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America. These perennial plants are characterized by opposite leaves, milky latex, and showy, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of white, pink, red, or yellow that typically bloom from late spring through autumn, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and insects. The genus was established in 1840 by British botanist , who named it in honor of Henry John Mandeville (1773–1861), a British diplomat and gardener stationed in who contributed plant specimens to botanical collections. Taxonomic delimitation of Mandevilla has historically been controversial due to its large size and morphological variability, with some species previously classified under related genera like Dipladenia; recent estimates recognize between 120 and 182 accepted species, many of which remain poorly known or undescribed. Native primarily from southward to and , the genus thrives in diverse habitats including forests, savannas, and rocky slopes, often in areas with warm temperatures and high humidity. In cultivation, Mandevilla species are prized ornamentals for their vigorous growth and vibrant blooms, commonly used in containers, trellises, or as ground covers in USDA hardiness zones 10–11, where they can reach heights of 10–20 feet as vines. Popular hybrids and cultivars, such as those in the Sun Parasol series, have expanded their appeal in temperate regions, where they are grown as annuals or overwintered indoors; however, they require well-drained soil, full sun, and protection from frost. Some species produce cardenolides and alkaloids with potential medicinal properties, including anticancer activity, though the genus is also noted for its toxic latex that can irritate skin and is harmful if ingested.

Taxonomy and Etymology

Classification History

The genus Mandevilla was first established by British botanist in 1840, based on cultivated specimens originating from in . This initial description, published in the Botanical Register, delineated the genus within the family, distinguishing it by characteristics such as opposite leaves and large, funnel-shaped flowers. Early taxonomic treatments recognized related genera like Dipladenia, described by de Candolle in 1844, but these were merged into Mandevilla by Robert E. Woodson in his 1933 monograph on the , which expanded the genus to include over 100 species through morphological reassessments. This merger addressed polyphyletic groupings in prior classifications and incorporated genera such as Macrosiphonia based on shared floral and fruit traits. Woodson's work marked a pivotal revision, increasing the recognized species count to 108 at the time. In 1989, Thomas J. Rosatti's study on the genera of suborder Apocynineae further clarified Mandevilla's position, emphasizing its delimitation in the and broader Neotropical context through comparative morphology. Subsequent phylogenetic analyses in the early , employing DNA loci such as trnL-F and rpl16, confirmed Mandevilla's under a narrower circumscription akin to Pichon's framework, while excluding Woodson's broader inclusions and refining species boundaries via molecular evidence. These studies, including those integrating morphology with , have supported ongoing revisions, such as nesting Macrosiphonia within Mandevilla. Currently, Mandevilla is classified in the subfamily Apocynoideae (tribe Mesechiteae) of the family, with 182 species accepted as of 2025, reflecting continued taxonomic refinements from genomic and phylogenetic data.

Name Origin

The genus was named in honor of Henry John Mandeville (1773–1861), a British diplomat and amateur gardener who served as minister in , , where he actively contributed to botanical collections of South American . The name was formally established by British botanist in his 1840 description of the genus. The standard pronunciation of the genus name is /ˌmændɪˈvɪlə/. Common names for plants in the genus include "rocktrumpet," which derives from the trumpet-like shape of their funnelform flowers. Regional variations exist, such as "Chilean jasmine" applied to species like Mandevilla laxa, reflecting its native range in southern South America despite not occurring in Chile itself.

Description

Morphological Features

Mandevilla species are primarily twining vines or erect shrubs in the family, with stems that can reach 2–6 meters in length and contain milky latex sap exuding from cuts. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stems, simple in structure, and elliptic to ovate (often described as oblong) in shape, measuring 5–20 cm long with an entire margin; they are typically glossy, leathery, and deep green. Flowers emerge in axillary cymes and are funnelform or trumpet-shaped, featuring a narrow corolla tube and five spreading that span 5–10 cm across; colors vary from white and pink to red and , often with a . The fruits develop as paired follicles that split open to release numerous plumed (comose) seeds, facilitating wind dispersal.

Growth and Reproduction

Mandevilla species exhibit a growth habit in their native tropical climates, where they persist as vines year-round, developing woody stems that can reach lengths of up to 10 meters or more with age. These stems employ a twining mechanism to climb, wrapping around supports in a spiral fashion to ascend trees or other structures in their natural . This climbing strategy allows the plant to access in dense understories, with growth rates accelerating in warm, humid conditions typical of USDA zones 9-11. Flowering in Mandevilla occurs predominantly during the summer months in temperate regions and year-round in equatorial tropics, with blooms triggered by warm temperatures exceeding 15°C (59°F) at night and higher daytime warmth. The inflorescences produce large, trumpet-shaped flowers that attract a diverse array of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and moths, which facilitate pollen transfer through their visits to nectar-rich corollas. Many species exhibit self-incompatibility, requiring cross-pollination for seed set, a trait common in the Apocynaceae family. Reproduction in Mandevilla involves both sexual and asexual strategies, with forming in follicles following successful ; these remain viable for for 1-2 years under proper storage conditions, typically sprouting within 14-28 days at temperatures of 22-26°C. In cultivation, vegetative via stem cuttings is a prevalent method, where semi-woody tip cuttings rooted in moist medium yield new plants that retain the parent cultivar's traits, bypassing the variability of production. This approach is particularly effective during the active growing season, ensuring rapid establishment of clonal offspring.

Distribution and Habitat

Geographic Range

Mandevilla species are primarily native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Central and , extending from southward through to , including countries such as and . In , their range reaches the southwestern United States, with species like Mandevilla macrosiphon occurring in and northern . The genus exhibits its centers of diversity in the Andean mountains and the , where environmental conditions support a high number of endemic . Brazil alone hosts approximately 70 to 80 of Mandevilla, many of which are endemic, contributing significantly to the genus's overall diversity of around 170 to 180 across the Neotropics. Several Mandevilla species have been introduced to other tropical regions for ornamental purposes, including the islands, parts of , and , where they are widely cultivated in gardens and landscapes. In the United States, they are cultivated in subtropical areas such as and . No Mandevilla species are native to or temperate zones, where they can only persist under cultivation.

Environmental Preferences

Mandevilla primarily inhabit humid tropical , forest edges, and disturbed areas such as riverbanks and roadsides, spanning elevations from to over 3,000 meters across their native range in the . These environments provide the partial shade and structural support needed for their climbing or sprawling growth habits, allowing them to colonize a variety of neotropical ecosystems from lowlands to montane zones. In terms of soil preferences, Mandevilla thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic substrates with a range of 6.0–7.0 and high content, which support root development while preventing ; the shows low tolerance for waterlogging, favoring sites with good to avoid anaerobic conditions. Ecologically, Mandevilla functions as a in , rapidly colonizing cleared or disturbed sites and facilitating habitat recovery by stabilizing and offering early resources for local . Climatically, the requires warm conditions with annual temperatures between 20–30°C and exhibits minimal tolerance, reflecting its to frost-free tropical regimes; once established, demonstrate drought resistance, though they preferentially occur in areas receiving 1,000–2,000 mm of annual rainfall to sustain growth and flowering. As a nectar-rich flowering , Mandevilla plays a key role in supporting pollinators such as , bees, and hummingbirds, while its foliage and structure provide microhabitats for various insects in these dynamic ecosystems.

Cultivation and Uses

Mandevilla species are widely used as ornamental in gardens and landscapes, valued for their vigorous climbing habit and colorful flowers. They are commonly grown on trellises, arbors, or fences to create vertical interest, in containers for patios, or as ground covers in suitable climates. In temperate regions, they serve as seasonal accents or houseplants.

Growing Conditions

Mandevilla plants thrive in full sun, receiving at least six hours of direct daily to promote abundant flowering, though partial shade can be tolerated in particularly hot climates to avoid leaf scorch. They prefer loamy, well-draining soil amended with or to ensure proper aeration and prevent waterlogging; a slightly acidic to neutral of 6.0 to 7.8 is ideal. Mandevilla is in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 11, where it can be grown outdoors year-round, but in cooler regions, it is typically cultivated as an annual or brought indoors during winter. Watering should be moderate, allowing the top 1 to 2 inches of to dry out between sessions to mimic their native tropical preferences while avoiding . During the active growing season, fertilize monthly with a balanced NPK formula such as 10-10-10 to support vigorous growth and blooms. in late winter or early spring encourages bushier growth by removing up to one-third of the plant's length and pinching back tips on new shoots. In temperate areas, overwinter Mandevilla indoors at temperatures between 10 and 15°C (50 to 59°F), providing bright indirect light and reduced watering to maintain without promoting active growth.

Propagation Techniques

Mandevilla plants are primarily propagated vegetatively to maintain desirable traits in cultivars and hybrids, with stem cuttings being the most widely used method in both amateur and commercial settings. Semi-hardwood cuttings, measuring 10–15 cm in length, are taken in spring from healthy, non-flowering shoots. These cuttings are prepared by removing lower leaves and dipping the basal end in a rooting hormone, then inserted into a moist medium such as or . Rooting is promoted under high levels of 70–80%, achieved via systems or plastic coverings, combined with bottom heat maintained at approximately 24°C to encourage adventitious root development, typically within 4–6 weeks. Seed sowing represents an alternative but less common approach due to the it introduces, particularly in hybrid varieties where uniformity is desired for commercial production. require to break , achieved by lightly filing or soaking in warm water, before being sown in a sterile, well-draining medium like a peat-perlite mix. occurs at temperatures of 25–30°C under consistent moisture and indirect light, with seedlings emerging in 2–4 weeks; success rates are higher when using fresh from non-hybrid species. For larger, established vines, air layering provides an effective technique to produce rooted plants without severing the stem prematurely. A healthy stem is selected, and a ring of bark is removed to expose the layer, which is then treated with rooting hormone and wrapped in moist moss or a similar substrate, secured with to retain humidity. Roots typically form within 6–8 weeks in warm conditions, after which the layered section can be cut and potted independently. This method is particularly useful for propagating mature specimens with challenging rooting characteristics. In commercial production, grafting onto disease-resistant rootstocks is employed to enhance vigor and mitigate issues like root rot in susceptible varieties. Scions from desired cultivars are cleft- or whip-grafted onto compatible rootstocks, often under controlled greenhouse conditions with high humidity and temperatures around 25°C to promote union formation. This technique allows for the combination of ornamental qualities with improved resilience, though it requires skilled labor and is less common in home gardening.

Pests and Diseases

Mandevilla plants cultivated in gardens or containers are vulnerable to several common insect pests that can compromise their vigor and appearance. , particularly the oleander aphid (), spider mites, , and mealybugs frequently infest the foliage and stems, feeding on sap and excreting honeydew that promotes growth. Effective control involves regular monitoring and treatment with insecticidal soaps or applications, which target these soft-bodied insects without significant harm to beneficial pollinators when used as directed. Fungal and viral diseases also pose risks, often exacerbated by cultural practices such as overwatering or poor air circulation. Root rot, caused by Fusarium species, develops in waterlogged soils, leading to wilting, yellowing leaves, and eventual plant collapse; prevention relies on ensuring well-drained soil to avoid excess moisture around the roots. Powdery mildew, resulting from Oidium subgenus Pseudoidium species, manifests as white powdery coatings on leaves in humid environments, and can be managed by improving airflow and applying fungicidal sprays if needed. Viral infections, such as Catharanthus mosaic virus, produce mosaic patterns, leaf deformation, and premature senescence; these are challenging to control once established, emphasizing the importance of using virus-free propagation material and maintaining good hygiene. Nematodes, particularly root-knot species, can afflict Mandevilla in sandy soils, causing on that impair uptake and growth. Management strategies include planting in elevated beds to deter soil contact, rotating with non-host crops to break the pest cycle, and selecting resistant varieties where available.

Toxicity

Chemical Composition

Mandevilla species produce a milky that serves as a primary defense mechanism, containing irritant triterpenoids such as and β-amyrin, along with latex allergens that can trigger upon skin exposure. These compounds are characteristic of the laticifers present throughout the plant, particularly in stems and leaves, where the sap exudes from wounds and deters herbivores through chemical irritation. In addition to the latex components, Mandevilla synthesize various alkaloids, including the monoterpenoid vincadifformine, which has been identified through genomic analysis of the . These alkaloids, along with ibogaine-like derivatives, align with patterns observed in related genera, contributing to the plant's overall toxicity profile. Such compounds are distributed across vegetative tissues and underscore the family's broader production of pharmacologically active nitrogenous metabolites. Cardiac glycosides, primarily cardenolides, occur in Mandevilla species, with examples including digitoxigenin and oleandrigenin derivatives that inhibit Na+/K+-ATPase and thereby influence cardiac function. For instance, these glycosides have been isolated from the roots of Mandevilla pentlandiana, exemplifying the potent cardioactive toxins found in various species, often in foliage and reproductive structures. The flowers of Mandevilla, in contrast, feature higher levels of phenolics and —such as and glycosides—compared to other plant parts, while exhibiting lower concentrations of the aforementioned toxins relative to stems and leaves. This distribution may support attraction through properties without the same level of deterrent chemicals found elsewhere in the plant.

Health Effects

Exposure to the milky sap of Mandevilla upon skin contact can cause , manifesting as redness, itching, and potentially blisters in sensitive individuals. Immediate washing of the affected area with soap and water is recommended to minimize symptoms, and medical attention should be sought if severe reactions occur or persist. Ingestion of any part of the Mandevilla plant by humans or pets typically results in mild gastrointestinal distress, including , , , and loss of appetite. Although cardenolides can affect cardiac function, reported poisonings from Mandevilla typically result in only mild symptoms without severe cardiac involvement. In pets such as dogs and cats, even small amounts like a single or flower can lead to additional symptoms such as , , and . There is no specific for Mandevilla ; treatment is supportive, focusing on hydration, anti-emetics, and monitoring for complications, with veterinary or medical consultation advised promptly after exposure. To prevent adverse effects, gardeners should wear gloves when or handling Mandevilla to avoid exposure. In tropical agricultural settings, should be kept inaccessible to , as certain Mandevilla have been reported to cause in .

Diversity

Accepted Species

The genus Mandevilla includes 180 accepted , all native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, ranging from Mexico southward to and including the . These are predominantly vines or shrubs in the family, characterized by milky latex, opposite leaves, and funnel-shaped flowers that attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees. Taxonomic recognition is based on morphological traits like corolla shape, characteristics, and molecular data, with ongoing refinements from phylogenetic analyses. Notable species include Mandevilla splendens, an evergreen woody vine endemic to southeastern Brazil, known for its glossy leaves and clusters of large, rose-pink flowers up to 10 cm across with yellow throats, often growing to 5-10 m in humid forest understories. Mandevilla laxa, commonly called Chilean jasmine despite its primary distribution in Argentina and Bolivia, is a deciduous twining vine reaching 6 m, prized for its intensely fragrant white flowers produced in summer panicles. Mandevilla sanderi, or Brazilian jasmine, is a vigorous evergreen climber native to Rio de Janeiro state in Brazil, featuring glossy elliptic leaves and tubular pink to red flowers about 5-7 cm long, typically ascending to 3-5 m on supports. In northern parts of the range, species such as Mandevilla foliosa (Mexican jasmine) occur in , where it forms sprawling s with aromatic yellow flowers and is adapted to drier habitats like scrublands. Similarly, Mandevilla lanuginosa (plateau rocktrumpet) is a low-growing endemic to high-elevation plateaus in central , with small to pale pink flowers and tolerance for rocky, soils. Other Mexican natives include Mandevilla macrosiphon and Mandevilla hypoleuca, which exhibit similar herbaceous to semi-woody habits in seasonal dry forests. Brazil hosts the greatest diversity, with approximately 72 species, many endemic to inselbergs and rocky outcrops in the eastern and central regions. For instance, Mandevilla calcicola is a recently described species restricted to limestone formations in state, assessed as critically endangered due to habitat loss from and , with populations limited to fewer than 50 mature individuals. Recent taxonomic work in the 2020s, informed by molecular phylogenetics and plastid DNA sequencing, has led to the description of new species and revisions of existing ones. Examples include two new inselberg endemics from Espírito Santo (Mandevilla alata and M. ibitubana) in 2019, four more from the same region (M. declinata, M. fornograndensis, M. mysteriosa, and M. velutina) in 2022, and Mandevilla hansenii from Ecuador in 2025, alongside synonymizations such as reducing M. versicolor under M. sagittarii. These changes highlight the role of genomic data in resolving polyphyletic groups within the genus.

Cultivars and Hybrids

Mandevilla cultivars and hybrids have been developed primarily for ornamental purposes, enhancing flower color, size, vigor, and adaptability to cultivation. Many popular varieties stem from interspecific crosses, such as those involving Mandevilla sanderi and M. splendens, which contribute to improved disease resistance and a broader palette of bloom colors including pinks, reds, and whites. These breeding efforts have resulted in vigorous climbers suitable for trellises and containers, with enhanced performance in temperate climates. One of the most notable series is the 'Sun Parasol' collection, bred by Flowers in and introduced in the late 1990s. This compact group features profuse blooms in shades of pink, red, and white, with strong disease resistance and vigorous growth, making it a top choice for landscapes and pots. Another classic hybrid is 'Alice du Pont' (Mandevilla × amabilis), a vigorous vining with large, bright pink trumpet-shaped flowers up to 4 inches across, prized for its long blooming period from spring to fall. In 2025, new introductions include the compact, non-vining 'Madinia Petite' series, ideal for small containers and hanging baskets due to its early flowering and heat tolerance. These dwarf varieties offer improved suitability for production, with bushy habits reaching 1-2 feet tall. Commercially, Mandevilla boasts dozens of registered cultivars, with significant production in greenhouses and for use across and , driven by demand for tropical accents in temperate gardens.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.