Mascagnia lilacina
Purple Orchid Vine
Family: Malphigiaceae
Medium-sized, semi-evergreen vine growing 10-15’ high and wide. This vine climbs with self twining new growth that weave through the substrate like lattices or grid. Purple flowers can appear spring through fall, producing butterfly shaped pods summer into fall.
Plant in full to part sun, but avoid reflected heat. Moderate water when established with good drainage. Hardy into the mid teens °F. Not nearly as fast growing as its cousin, Callaeum macropterum (yellow orchid vine).
Pollinated by oil-collecting bees.
The genus Mascagnia is named after Italian naturalist Paolo Mascagni while the species lilacina means 'lilac-colored'.
Native to the Chihuahuan Desert.