Thunbergia, also known as Black-eyed Susan Vine, is a fast-growing flowering plant that belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Madagascar. The plant was named after the Swedish botanist Carl Peter Thunberg, who discovered the plant species in South Africa in the 18th century. Thunbergia plants are known for their beautiful flowers and ability to quickly cover trellises, fences, and walls, as the plant climbs upward of 8 feet in height if it has a support structure to climb.
The Black-eyed Susan Vine has attractive, heart-shaped leaves that are dark green and glossy. The plant produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers that are usually yellow or orange with a black center, resembling the eyes of a black-eyed Susan.
Black Eyed Susan is often grown as an annual in cooler climates, but it is a perennial in its native tropical regions. It can tolerate drought but thrives with regular watering and fertilization. It is an excellent choice for creating a vertical garden or adding color to a garden fence. Black-eyed Susan Vine also attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators to the garden.