Thunbergia erecta (King's Mantle)

Thunbergia erecta, commonly known as Bush Clock Vine, King's Mantle, or Bush Thunbergia, is an evergreen to semi-evergreen shrub in the Acanthaceae family, native to tropical western and central Africa. Unlike the climbing members of the genus, it forms a dense, upright, freely branching shrub, typically reaching four to six feet tall. The opposite leaves are glossy green, ovate to elliptic, with pointed tips and slightly wavy margins. Solitary, trumpet-shaped flowers arise from the leaf axils, with five broad, spreading lobes surrounding a conspicuous yellow throat. The flowers range from deep violet-blue and purple to pale lavender or almost white, often with a conspicuous bright yellow throat; pure white-flowered selections are also cultivated. Each flower is subtended by two prominent green bracteoles, a characteristic feature of the genus. The species has also been known as Meyenia erecta.

Thunbergia erecta grows best in full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture. Flowering is most abundant in bright light and warm weather, often continuing throughout the year in tropical climates. Pruning encourages dense branching and makes the plant suitable for hedges, borders, and containers. It is frost-sensitive and best suited to USDA Zones 10b-11, with winter protection required in colder regions.