Devil's Potato (Echites umbellatus)

LIMIT TWO, Please

Description:  Long-lived evergreen vine with clusters of pinwheel white-cream-colored flowers. 

Natural Habitat:  Pinelands, hammock edges, and coastal areas of South Florida.  Widespread in the Caribbean and Central America. 

Planting and Care: Can be grown on a fence or trellis, but also amongst larger plants upon which it can clamber. Flowers best in full-partial sun. Slow to moderate growth rate, may die back completely or partially, then resprouts with larger vines.

Pros:  Long-lived (decades). Flowers attractive. Host plant for the Polka-Dot Wasp Moth (Syntomeida epilais), the Faithful Beauty Moth (Composia fidelissima), and Tetrio Sphinx (Pseudosphinx tetrio). Does not overpower plants upon which it grows.

Cons:  The potato-like tubers are toxic (don't eat them). 

L-R:  Faithful Beauty, Polka-Dot Wasp Moth,  & Tetrio Sphinx Moth