Hamelia patens Jacs.
Vernacular name: Firebush
Species Name: Hamelia patens Jacq.
Family: Rubiaceae
Habit: Evergreen Shrub
Stem: Woody, solid, aerial, Erect, branched, cylindrical
Leaf: Cauline, whorled, stipulate, petiolate, simple, ovate, entire, acute, unicostate reticulate venation
Flowering: June- September
Flowers: Polychasial cyme inflorescence, Ebracteate, hermaphrodite, actinomorphic, pentamerous, epigynous
Fruit: 5-valved, loculicidal capsule
Uses
- They are very tolerant of both heat and drought and hence used as common garden plants in oppressive summers.
- Their red, tubular flowers are also extremely attractive to hummingbirds and hence a good choice for bird Sanctuaries.
