This morning I found a Solandra maxima leaf on the kitchen counter. It looked wrong. There was a lot of yellow. What was happening to my plants?

Then I looked closer and saw the purple stem. This was not from one of my plants. My husband told me that he found a Solandra maxima plant on his morning walk. The leaf was from a variegated variety.

I first became aware of the Solandra early one morning at the local Farmers’ Market. There was a slight breeze and a fragrance that was familiar, yet unknown. When I located the source, I immediately bought the plant.

Since that day I have taken cuttings and have plants in 6 locations in my gardens. I have given cuttings to neighbors as well.

When I researched the plant, I found reference to the flowers emitting a pheromone that can induce amorous feelings. Parts of the plant have been used for medicinal treatment and in rituals. If used inappropriately, respiratory and circulatory failure can occur. Yet another potentially dangerous plant in my garden.

I like the plant because the older growth is substantial and bark covered, the leaves are waxy, the buds and flowers are beautiful, and the fragrance is like candy on the wind. I am allowing two plants to grow naturally. The others are cut to fill spaces, so more shrub than vine.