The Macaw’s Tail
THE Macaw’s Tail is also known as the Monkey Brush. As both a shrub and a climber, it is one of the more exotic flowering plants that can populate any garden.
Its scientific name is Combretum (kom-bree-tum) rotundifolium (ro-tun-dih-foh-lee-um), and it is a member of the Combretaceae family of trees, shrubs, and lianas comprising about 20 general and 600 species native to Venezuela, Brazil and Peru. The plant is also referred to as Combretum aubletti. Combretaceae are described as generally very impressive plants, and the Macaw Tail/Monkey Brush has been described as definitely one of the brightest of these. Its evergreen foliage is velvety and fuzzy-textured, sporting vivid orange-red influorescences at the tips of the branches.
When in bloom, the vining shrub is all covered with elongated “powder-puff” multi-coloured flowers of yellow, orange, and red, making it look like a fire in progress. The plant attracts butterflies, bees, and birds, particularly hummingbirds.
Macaw’s Tail is a fairly fast grower, likes average water and fertilizers, and is quite simple to grow.
It grows to a height of 15 feet, but can be trimmed as a shrub, or grown as a vine with support, should the gardener wish to allow the plant its freedom.
This attractive plant, one of the most striking South American vines to show up in the market recently, is available for local gardens, but can be had at only one local supplier, namely, the # 1 Plant Shop at 70 Sheriff Street Campbellville, Georgetown.
A horticulturalist of the #1 Plant Shop said the Macaw’s Tail had been brought into the country some eight years ago, and the business entity had spent a great deal of time developing it for commercial purposes.
Because of its stunning foliage and amazing flowers, the Macaw’s Tail can be considered a high-end plant, with prices starting at $9,000 for one plant.
Gardeners who wish to take their garden to a higher level of conspicuousness will find this unique plant ideal. Further information can be obtained from the # 1 Plant Shop at 70 Sheriff Street Campbellville, Georgetown, telephone # 227-8094.