Hiptage Hiptage

Banisteria benghalensis Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1: 427. 1753

Branches spreading. Leaf blades elliptic or ovate, larger blades 10–16 × 4–7(–9.5) cm, base cuneate, apex acuminate, abaxial surface glabrescent or sparsely sericeous, hairs short, straight, adaxial surface glabrous, bearing 2 larger glands at base and usually several small impressed glands in an inframarginal row. Flowers very fragrant; calyx gland 3–5 mm; petals long-fimbriate. Samaras: upper central wing 37–45(–52) mm, 2 lower lateral wings 17–27 mm.

Flowering and fruiting Apr–May. Hammocks; 0–10 m; introduced; Fla.; Asia.

Hiptage benghalensis is thought to be native from India and Sri Lanka to the Philippines, but it is difficult to know the true natural range because it has been cultivated as an ornamental for a long time and escapes readily, spreading aggressively and becoming a serious pest. The species is cultivated as an ornamental and locally naturalized in southernmost Florida.