Allamanda / Golden Trumpet

Scientific Name: Allamanda oenotheraefolia
Common Name: Golden Trumpet, Allamanda, Yellow Bell, Buttercup
Flower Genus: Allamanda
Family: Apocynaceae
Origin: Brazil

General Facts:

• This is an ornamental plant and is popular due to their all year production of large, bright flowers
• Flowers have a delicate and fruity scent
• All parts of the plants are toxic

Interesting Facts:

• The genus name Allamanda derives from Dr. Frederich Allamanda (1735-1803), a Swiss botanist of the late 18th century
• The leaves, roots and flowers may be used in the preparation of a powerful laxative
• Its milky sap can irritate the skin but it is also known to possess antibacterial and possibly anticancer properties

Gardening information:

• This plant does not tolerate shade, salty or alkaline soils. It is otherwise undemanding and with appropriate conditions will grow rapidly, from 1-3 metres annually. The seed capsules are oval and prickly; cultivated forms rarely produce seeds, but Allamanda are easily propagated from cuttings.
• Owing to its fast growth, it has been introduced widely to be used as groundcover or for hedges and screens. In some areas Allamanda are an invasive species, notably Allamanda cathartica in Queensland, Australia.