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Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

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Thursday - March 30, 2006

From: Newnan, GA
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Non-native, non-invasive Thunbergia alata
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I'm trying to find the proper name for Climbing Blackeyed Susan, or Blackeyed Susan Vine. We had one on a trellis and it was beautiful, but I'm told that it is an undesirable weed. Any info appreciated. Thanks.

ANSWER:

The botanical name for the plant is Thunbergia alata. It is a native of East Africa. Although this plant is considered an environmental threat in Australia, I could not find it listed in the Invasive Plants of the Eastern United States database or any other database of invasives for North America.
 

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