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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)

Clay, Dry, Limestone, Loam, Sand

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

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 it dies to the ground in winter and re-grows from the roots in early summer. Native habitat: canyons, stream and river banks.

Description

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

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This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason