PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Allamanda cathartica
Golden Trumpet
L.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A vigorous, evergreen climbing woody vine or sprawling shrub characterized by smooth, purplish-green stems that exude a thick, milky white latex when injured. It features glossy, leathery, obovate-lanceolate leaves arranged in whorls, and bears large, magnificent, trumpet-shaped bright yellow flowers with white markings in the throat.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Gentianales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Apocynaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Allamanda
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.L.
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the tropical rainforests of South America, particularly Brazil, and widely naturalized across Central America, the Caribbean, and tropical regions globally. It thrives in moist, lowland tropical environments, forest edges, riverbanks, and disturbed open areas with abundant sunlight and rich, well-drained soils.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Thrives as an aggressive climber anchoring in alluvial soils and wet secondary forests. It is fully static but exhibits rapid vegetative sprawl, leaning over supporting trees and expanding its canopy vertically to dominate sunny forest gaps and margins.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
200.0 - 800.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Utilizes a rapid twining growth strategy combined with flexible, clambering branches to scale surrounding vegetation efficiently, securing maximum sunlight exposure within dense forest canopies.
Contains toxic iridoid lactones (such as allamandin) and a sticky white latex throughout its tissues, which function as a powerful defense mechanism against phytophagous insects and generalist herbivores.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
The species faces no conservation threats due to its highly adaptable nature, rapid growth, and extensive global cultivation. In some humid tropical regions outside its native range, it is managed as an aggressive invasive weed.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The specific epithet 'cathartica' refers to the plant's intense purgative and emetic properties. Historically, extracts from the roots and leaves were utilized in traditional medicine to induce vomiting and clear intestinal parasites.