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Native Plant Society of Texas

Showy Menodora

Menodora longiflora

Other common name(s):

Twinpod

Family:

Oleaceae (Olive Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau
Chihuahuan Basins and Playas, Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Limestone, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Wetland or Riparian

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Hummingbirds, Moths

Maintenance

Low maintenance. Good xeriscape plant. Would benefit from being cut back several times during the growing season to promote additional bloom and a more compact plant. In the Dallas area Showy Menodora dies to the ground in winter and re-grows from the roots in early summer. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms March-October. The form is very erect, with a woody base. Leaves are narrow and smooth and aromatic. This species is named longiflora because of the long, narrow tube of its flower. At the end of the tube the 5 or 6 yellow petal-like lobes flare out almost flat and are pointed at the end. The fruit is a capsule.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Prepare well-draining soil mixed with sand or perlite to imitate the natural arid environment of showy menodora. Fill seed trays or pots with this soil mix. Sow the seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them down, barely covering them with soil. Maintain a light, uniform moisture by misting the soil frequently. Place the trays or pots in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Maintain a temperature range of 65-75°F (18-24°C) to support germination, which should occur in 2-3 weeks. Harvest seeds from mature, healthy showy menodora plants. Look for dry, brown fruits to ensure seeds are fully developed. Clean the seeds by removing any remaining fruit pulp. Allow them to dry completely in a shaded location to prevent mold. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Menodora_longiflora.html#:~:text=Showy%20menodora%20thrives%20well%20in,gardeners%20in%20achieving%20robust%20growth.
Seed Scarification Begin by soaking Menodora longiflora seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours to enhance germination. Use a well-draining soil mix, such as a blend of sand and peat moss, and sow seeds on the surface. Lightly press them into the soil without covering them, as light aids their germination. Or plant in a pot with a damp, well-draining medium. Maintain humidity by covering with a plastic dome or clear plastic bag, and ensure the medium remains moist but not soggy. Place in a location with indirect sunlight to promote rooting and growth. Harvest seeds from mature, healthy showy menodora plants. Look for dry, brown fruits to ensure seeds are fully developed. Clean the seeds by removing any remaining fruit pulp. Allow them to dry completely in a shaded location to prevent mold. https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/menodora-longiflora/
Stem Cutting Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent rot and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder before planting. Plant in a pot with a damp, well-draining medium. Maintain humidity by covering with a plastic dome or clear plastic bag, and ensure the medium remains moist but not soggy. Place in a location with indirect sunlight to promote rooting and growth. Select healthy, non-flowering stems from the parent plant for cuttings. Cut each stem to about 4-6 inches in length, ensuring that there are several leaf nodes present. https://www.forwardplant.com/plant-info/menodora-longiflora/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason