Chilean Flame Vine Ercilla volubilis
ABOUT
Ercilla volubilis, commonly known as the Chilean flame vine, is a striking climbing plant renowned for its vigorous growth and showy display. It features twining stems that allow it to climb and sprawl over other plants and structures, bending and twisting as they grow. The leaves of the Chilean flame vine are glossy and have an oval to lance-like shape, often with a pointy tip, providing a lush green backdrop for its flowers. The most striking feature of this vine is its flowers, which bloom in clusters. These flowers are tubular and curve gracefully, resembling a flaming torch, hence its common name. They typically appear in vibrant hues of red or orange, creating a fiery spectacle that can be quite eye-catching. The inside of the bloom may exhibit a slightly paler shade, with subtle streaks or spots that add to its ornamental appeal. Given the right conditions, with ample support for climbing, the Chilean flame vine can spread extensively, creating a dense and vibrant curtain of green foliage and red or orange blooms that decorate the space it occupies. Its robust nature and profuse flowering make it a popular choice for adding a touch of drama to gardens and landscapes, though the plant does not bear any mentionable fruit.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Phytolaccaceae
Synonyms
Ercilla, Snail Vine, Antenna Plant
Common names
Boquila trifoliolata, Boquila decumbens, Lardizabala funaria.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Ercilla volubilis does not have a well-documented profile regarding its toxicity to humans. Without specific scientific evidence, it's not possible to provide an accurate description of its toxicity or the symptoms of poisoning that might result from ingesting any part of this plant. If you suspect poisoning from any plant, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.
To pets
Similar to the information available for humans, the toxicity of Ercilla volubilis to pets is not well-documented. There is a lack of specific details regarding the symptoms of poisoning or the consequences of pets ingesting parts of this plant. Pet owners should exercise caution and prevent pets from eating plants with unknown toxicity profiles. If you suspect your pet has ingested this plant, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control service without delay.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
10 feet (3 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3 meters)
Plant type
Climber
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Vine - Ercilla volubilis, commonly known as Chilean Flame Flower, adds aesthetic appeal to gardens and homes with its striking red or orange tubular flowers and lush green foliage.
- Wildlife Attraction - The vibrant flowers are known to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, providing a dynamic environment for wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy.
- Climbing Plant - As a climbing vine, it can be used to cover arbors, trellises, and fences, making it useful for creating natural green screens or adding vertical interest in landscape designs.
- Suitable for Containers - It can be grown in pots or hanging baskets, which is ideal for patios, balconies, or gardeners with limited space.
- Shade Tolerance - The plant can grow in partial shade, offering flexibility in garden placement and the opportunity to beautify less sunny areas.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ercilla volubilis, commonly known as supplejack, has been used by indigenous communities to create fish traps due to its flexible stems.
- The long vines of supplejack can serve as binding material in traditional basket weaving and other handicrafts.
- Due to its durability, supplejack can be fashioned into walking sticks or canes for support during hikes.
- Builders have utilized supplejack vines for creating natural scaffolding in areas where the plant is abundant.
- In gardening, supplejack can be trained to climb trellises, providing an attractive green curtain during the growing season.
- Certain cultures have been known to use the tough supplejack vines as a material for constructing simple musical instruments.
- Supplejack has been incorporated in outdoor survival techniques to create snares and traps for small animals.
- The plant's vines are sometimes used in decorative floral arrangements, adding an exotic and wild look.
- In some regions, supplejack stems are fashioned into frames for carrying backpacks or other loads.
- Supplejack's woody vines can be used to produce charcoal for various uses, including art and cooking.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Ercilla volubilis is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Ercilla volubilis is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Adaptability: Ercilla volubilis, commonly known as Chilean Flame Vine, has a climbing and twining habit that represents adaptability and the ability to navigate obstacles, as the vine adjusts its growth to the supporting structures it encounters.
- Passion: The vibrant red flowers of the Chilean Flame Vine are often associated with strong emotions and passion, making the plant a symbol of intense feelings and fervor.
- Survival: As a plant that can thrive in various conditions, the Chilean Flame Vine symbolizes the resilience and survival instinct, signifying the ability to endure and prosper regardless of circumstances.
- Growth: Reflecting the vine's natural inclination to climb and spread, the Chilean Flame Vine embodies growth and expansion, both physically and metaphorically, in one's life or endeavors.
- Connection: The intertwining growth pattern of the Chilean Flame Vine can represent the interconnectedness of life, suggesting the importance of relationships and the interconnected nature of our existence.
WaterChilean flame vine should be watered deeply to ensure moisture reaches the roots, while allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. A good approach is to water with approximately 2 gallons every week during the growing season, depending on climate conditions, and reduce watering in the winter when plant growth naturally slows. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it's essential to have well-draining soil. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water more frequently, while in cooler, wetter conditions, you can water less often.
LightChilean flame vine thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade will help protect the plant from intense heat.
TemperatureChilean flame vine prefers a temperature range between 50°F and 90°F for optimal growth. It can withstand minimum temperatures down to about 20°F but may suffer damage if the temperature drops lower. The ideal conditions for this plant are a consistently warm environment without the risk of frost.
PruningPruning the Chilean flame vine is important to maintain its shape, control its size, and encourage more vigorous growth. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Prune as needed to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Pruning can also stimulate the production of new flowering shoots, enhancing the plant's overall display.
CleaningAs needed
SoilChilean Flame Flower requires well-draining soil with high organic matter. A mix of peat, pine bark, and perlite in equal parts is ideal. The best soil pH for Chilean Flame Flower is slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 5.5 to 7.0.
RepottingChilean Flame Flower should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and allow for root growth. It's best to repot in spring before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingChilean Flame Flower thrives in high humidity conditions, preferably around 60-80%. Maintaining consistent humidity is crucial for its health.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleErcilla volubilis, also known as the Chilean flame vine, begins its life cycle with seed germination, where the plant emerges from a dormant state upon exposure to appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature. After sprouting, it enters a vegetative growth phase, developing a robust root system, stems, and leaves as it matures. This vigorous climber then progresses to the flowering stage, producing its characteristic tubular red flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. Following pollination, the flowers develop into fruit that contains seeds, completing the cycle when these seeds are dispersed and germinate to give rise to new plants. The Chilean flame vine can also propagate vegetatively through cuttings, which root and grow, thus creating genetically identical offshoots that extend the parent plant's genetic legacy. Annual pruning is often necessary to control growth and maintain plant health, as Ercilla volubilis can become quite expansive.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: Ercilla volubilis, more commonly known as Chilean flame vine, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The optimal time for taking cuttings is during the late summer or early fall. To propagate, a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaves is taken from a healthy part of the plant. The bottom leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to enhance root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. A high humidity environment and temperatures between 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius) are maintained to encourage rooting. Roots generally develop within several weeks, after which the new plants can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions before transplanting.
