Bomarea multiflora
Common name
Bomarea
Synonyms
Bomarea caldasii
Family
Alstroemeriaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Lianes - Monocots
Conservation status
Not applicable
Habitat
Scrambling vine that appears to be shade tolerant but does best in full sun.
Detailed description
A multi-stemmed vine in the lily family that twines around any available support. The stems arise from short underground rhizomes which bear numerous tubers. Flowers are clumped in a dense pendulous bunch of 15-20 together. Reddish on the outside and usually yellow with dark spots on the inside, the flowers develop into capsules about 2 cm in diameter. When ripe, these open to reveal bright orange seeds that are fleshy.
Flowering
March, April, May, June, July
Flower colours
Red/Pink, Yellow
Fruiting
May to August.
Life cycle
Perennial vine that may die back over winter when exposed to severe frost. Can reproduce by suckering from roots or by seed. Fleshy bright orange seeds are produced in capsules, likely dispersed by birds.
Year naturalised
1964
Origin
S. America
Reason for introduction
Ornamental.
Etymology
bomarea: Named after a French botanist
multiflora: From late Latin, feminine of multiflorus meaning ‘bearing many flowers’
National Pest Plant Accord species
This plant is listed in the 2020 National Pest Plant Accord. The National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) is an agreement to prevent the sale and/or distribution of specified pest plants where either formal or casual horticultural trade is the most significant way of spreading the plant in New Zealand. For up to date information and an electronic copy of the 2020 Pest Plant Accord manual (including plant information and images) visit the MPI website.