Fagraea auriculata
| Fagraea auriculata | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Gentianaceae |
| Genus: | Fagraea |
| Species: | F. auriculata |
| Binomial name | |
| Fagraea auriculata | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
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 (where it may be called bira-bira); in Viet Nam it is called trai tai. It is noted for its huge, white, trumpet-shaped flowers; up to 30 cm (12 in) 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.