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
  • Willughbeia auriculata (Jack) Spreng.

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.