Heteropterys glabra

How many members of the plant family Malpighiaceae are you growing? With cousins that include Hiptage, Bunchosia, and Acridocarpus, I doubt very many. Heteropterys glabra is an odd South American native that's long been one of my favorite plants for something truly unique...and attractive. The thick green leaves adorn the free-form, twiggy growth, making a 4' tall x 6' wide specimen in 5 years. Throughout late summer, the plants are adorned with small, bright yellow flowers along with stunning red, maple-like samaras (winged seeds). Visitors will swear you glued maple seeds onto the flower stalks. Heteropterys glabra is a great plant to fool your favorite gardening know-it-all. Well-drained soils are key to survival north of Zone 7b, but remember there is always container gardening. Heteropterys glabra has long been used in South America as a sedative as well as an invigorating tonic...that's quite a two-fer.