Monkey's Brush Plant

Monkey’s Brush is a tropical climbing shrub grown for brush-shaped clusters of orange-red flowers with yellow tones. Its woody stems need sturdy support, making it a striking choice for a warm-climate arbor or pergola. ## Flowers and placement The [Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden profile](https://fairchild.gardenexplorer.org/taxon.aspx?t=20966) records *Combretum rotundifolium* as a vine or liana from tropical South America, with vivid terminal flowers and full sun to partial shade. Fairchild notes late-winter to early-spring flowering in South Florida. A [UF/IFAS flowering-vines guide](https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-mg097-2007) describes Monkey’s Brush as a vigorous woody climber for a heavy arbor, trellis, or pergola and recommends pruning to keep vines on their support. Kew recognizes the species as a scrambling shrub of wet tropical regions. ## Growing Provide a strong structure and well-drained soil. The plant is tropical, so its response to cool conditions depends on climate and protection; sources here do not establish a USDA hardiness range. Use it where a substantial woody vine can be trained without overwhelming nearby plants. ## Maintenance Check stems as they extend and guide them onto the support. Prune to control their reach and maintain the structure. For broad vine planting and watering guidance, see the [UF/IFAS guide](https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-mg097-2007).