Quisqualis (Combretaceae)
The genus Quisqualis contains around 16 species of evergreen shrubs and climbers, mainly from tropical Africa and Asia. The unusual name, Quisqualis (Latin for “how what”), is said to come from the Dutch name hoedanig, itself a pun on the Malay name for the plant, udani. It indicates the variable habits of the plant, which starts life as a shrub, before becoming a climber.

Quisqualis indica (Illustrated here) Rangoon Creeper
This rampant climber from Burma to New Guinea can do well in cooler areas. The scented flowers are borne during summer. They open white then turn pink, and finally on the third day become deep carmine, by which time the tube has elongated to 8–9cm (3–31⁄2in).
Cultivation Needs a warm position in fertile soil, but is better shaded from the midday sun. A west-facing wall is ideal.
Height to 9m (30ft). USZ 10–11, surviving -1°C (30°F) of overnight frost. Requires summer water.