Pyrostegia venusta, commonly known as Flame Vine, is a striking climbing plant that instantly draws the eye with its brilliant blooms. Native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America, it is especially prized in botanical gardens for its vigorous growth and cascades of vivid orange flowers. At the Au Bois Vert Botanical Garden in Ivato, just a few kilometres from Antananarivo, it stands out as one of the most admired species. Its spectacular floral display reaches its peak during the dry season, typically from June to September.
This twining vine grows rapidly, using its tendrils to cover large areas, making it an excellent choice for dressing up pergolas, fences, or unsightly walls. It can extend up to 10 metres in length, transforming any space into a living tapestry. The Flame Vine is also known for its semi-evergreen foliage and dense clusters of elongated, tubular flowers that create a vibrant, dramatic effect.
Its perennial nature and adaptability make it a hardy plant, well-suited to tropical climates such as that of Antananarivo. However, it does require full sunlight to truly showcase its ornamental qualities. Beyond its visual appeal, the Flame Vine plays an important ecological role by attracting pollinators like bees and birds, thereby supporting local biodiversity.
Plant use
The Flame Vine, or Pyrostegia venusta, is highly valued for its wide range of uses, both ornamental and practical. In botanical gardens such as Au Bois Vert, it is often used to structure and enhance outdoor spaces thanks to its fast growth and dense foliage. It provides shaded areas perfect for relaxation, especially near lodges and restaurants, where it adds a distinctive tropical touch. Beyond its decorative appeal, Pyrostegia venusta also offers interesting medicinal properties. In its native regions, some communities have traditionally used it for its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to ease respiratory conditions such as coughs. While its medicinal use requires caution, it highlights the plant’s role in local healing traditions. The Flame Vine also serves as an excellent natural screen, ideal for preserving the privacy of terraces, hotel gardens, and other secluded areas. Its vigorous growth and hardiness mean it stays healthy with only moderate maintenance, making it a popular choice for landscaping projects in and around Antananarivo. At the Ivato Botanical Garden, visitors are encouraged to admire this striking plant as they stroll through the lush walkways. Whether for local residents or guests staying in a nearby lodge or hotel, Pyrostegia venusta represents both beauty and function, perfectly capturing the tropical charm of Antananarivo.
Key information
| Common name | Flame Vine |
| Scientific name | Pyrostegia venusta |
| Origin | South America (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina) |
| Natural habitat | Tropical and subtropical regions, forest edges and open areas |
| Life cycle | Perennial |
| Flowering period | June to September |
