Pandorea pandorana

Genus: Pandorea - Species: pandorana - Family: Bignoniaceae

Phonetic Spelling: pan-DOH-ree-uh pan-dor-AN-uh

Common Names:

  • Pandora Vine
  • Spearwood
  • Wonga Vine
  • Wonga-wonga Vine

Pandora vine is a vigorously climbing, woody vine in the trumpetvine family (Bignoniaceae) that is native to Australia, Malesia and the SW Pacific region. Both the generic and specific name make reference to Pandora (she of the box) of Greek myth. In the original description of the species (from 1799), new growth on the plant was said to attract aphids, which quickly colonized the entire plant and then spread to nearby vegetation. The name was a warning to those who might want to cultivate that it may bring devastating infestations of pests.

This vine is adaptable to most soil types and pHs and is drought tolerant. It will grow in sun or partial shade. Pruning is necessary to keep it to the desired size especially in a small garden. 

It is a vigorous tropical evergreen plant that is hardy to about 25 degrees Fahrenheit. The leaves are attractive and the flowers are very showy in cascading clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers in early spring. It spreads by seeds and by layering stems. It can form a dense mat, and it quickly grows over structures or trees.

Use this vine to cover fences, buildings or trellises. It can also be grown as a houseplant.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: No major pest problems.

Tags

showy flowers
tropical feel
aggressive
climber
tropical vine

Quick Facts

  • Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 50 ft. 0 in.
  • Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
  • USDA Zones:
    • 9a
    • 9b
    • 10a
    • 10b
    • 11a
    • 11b
  • NC Region:Not specified
  • Origin:Australia, Malasia, SW Pacific region

  • Life Cycle:
    • Woody
    • Perennial
  • Plant Types:
    • Perennial
    • Vine
  • Habit:Not specified

Distribution

N/A

Uses

Wood was used by Australian aborigines for making throwing devices.