Chilean flame creeper

Tropaeolumspeciosum

WHAT IS IT?

This surprisingly delicate-looking vine is related to nasturtium and has the same distinct, musty smell, but that’s where the similarities end.

Its flame-red flowers appear from November to April, in time for the festive season, and it grows rapidly, forming a mass of smothering leaves. Distinctive deep blue-coloured seed pods follow the flowers.

It occurs in small, scattered populations, mainly from the lower Waikato southwards.

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