Common name: Purple wreath, Sandpaper vine. Tamil name: Kudirai valuppu
Purple wreath is a large woody climber that can grow to over 8 meters in height. It is native to Southern America and West Indies. The simple leafs are arranged in an opposite manner, leaf margin is entire. The leaf on both surfaces have soft hairs, however, the surface of the leaf has a sandpaper like feel. The leaf nerves are exposed below and small white hairs are seen along the nerves.The leaf is obovate with a acute apex and an acute base. The leaf measure around 8 cm in length and 5.5 cm across. The inflorescence is in the form of an axillary raceme which can measure to more than 22 cm. They bear around 20-30 flowers. The calyx co-joined and very small, measuring around 2 mm. The flowers are tubular, zygomorphic, bisexual with five purple petals. The flowering branches have a tendency to droop down. The climber makes several turn and twists on its way up and droops down to bear beautiful flowers. The flower measure around 4 cm across. In full bloom it is a spectacular sight.
