Fagraea auriculata


Fagraea auriculata is a species of bush or semi-liana in the family Gentianaceae, formerly in the family Loganiaceae. It can be found in Indo-China and Malesia ; in Viet Nam it is called trai tai. It is noted for its huge, white, trumpet-shaped flowers; up to in both length and width. These flowers, the largest produced by any vine, are made of tissue up to 6 mm thick. The size, colour, heavy construction and the fact that they have a musty odour suggest that bats are important pollinators. The leaves are Magnolia-like in size and shape.

Subspecies

The Catalogue of Life listed two subspecies, but these are not considered distinct by Plants of the World OnlineF. auriculata subsp. auriculataF. auriculata subsp. ''parviflora''