Cup of Gold

The Golden Cup (Solandra maxima) climbs the walls near the entrance of tropical botanical gardens, blooming with golden flowers.
Its name, "Golden Cup," refers to its magnificent goblet-like shape. But wait—do not drink from this golden cup! Unfortunately, every part of this plant contains neurotoxic substances.

Toxic Warning

Beware of the highly toxic Golden Cup (Solandra maxima).

The Golden Cup (Solandra maxima) is a climbing evergreen shrub of the Solanaceae family and the genus Solandra. It is native to regions such as Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela in Central and South America. It is also known by other names, such as Ukonrappabana (鬱金喇叭花), Cup of Gold, Chalice Vine, and its Mexican name Copa de Oro (Golden Cup).
Its vines can grow 300–700 cm long. A fast-growing plant, it extends its vines rapidly, producing aerial roots from nodes to cling to other trees, with branches growing several tens of centimeters per day.
The leaves are green and glossy.

From December to May, it produces cup-shaped flowers 15–20 cm in diameter. The flowers are white or pale yellow when they first bloom, gradually turning golden yellow as time passes, and eventually becoming brown as they wither after a few days. The petals feature five purple-brown streaks, and the center of the flower has long stamens.
The flowers emit a fragrance similar to coconut, which becomes especially strong at night to attract bats, its pollinators.

The Orii Flying Fox, The Golden Cup's pollinators


Bats, such as the Orii Flying Fox (shown in the photo), serve as pollinators for the Golden Cup (Solandra maxima).

Unfortunately, every part of the plant—flowers, leaves, stems, and roots—is toxic. The primary toxic agents are alkaloids, such as scopolamine and atropine, which act on the nervous system as hallucinogens. They can cause symptoms such as dizziness, hallucinations, nausea, and increased heart rate, requiring careful handling.

Related Species
While the Golden Cup (Solandra maxima) blooms continuously, a related species, Solandra grandiflora, flowers all at once.

Flower Meaning
"Beautiful attire"

Common name: Cup of Gold, scientific name: Solandra maxima, aka: Solandra maxima, Golden chalice vine, Hawaiian lily, Origin: Latin America such as Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela,, vine length: 300 to 700 cm, corolla diameter: 15 to 20 cm, flower color: white and pale yellow to brown discoloration, floweringperiod: From December to May the following year, use: garden plant, medicinal, remarks: toxic plants.

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Golden cup (Solandra maxima)
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