Hiptage benghalensis (Hiptage)

A woody climbing shrub with clusters of pink to white and yellow fragrant flowers and 3-winged, helicopter-like fruits. Flowers have very interesting shape and look like a decorative accessory, with fluffy-toothed edges. The fragrance is very strong and pleasant, resembles fruity perfume. Leaves are narrow and drooping. This plant can be trimmed as a bush, and can be grown in container, too. Used medicinally in India. Make sure to provide lots of light for profuse blooming. The petals have frilly edges, and after the flowers fade, they spin off quirky three-winged seed pods that look like tiny helicopters. It flowers generously through winter and early spring, just when most plants are resting, filling the air with a fruity fragrance.

Easy to grow, it can be trained as a shrub, small tree, or vigorous climber if given strong support. In India, it is called Madhavi, the Spring Herald, and is often linked with mango trees in old legends - the strong tree with the fragrant vine wrapped around it.

A tropical beauty with a story, a scent, and a playful twist. It's pretty cold hardy too - can take some light frost.

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