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Fire Bush or Scarlet Bush
Hamelia patens Jacq.
(hah-ME-lee-ah PAY-tenz)
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General:
Fire Bush is a native
tropical shrub or tree that attracts butterflies and
hummingbirds. The species name, patens, means
“spreading”. It is salt tolerant and does well on the lime
bearing soils of south Florida. Even in the less tropical areas
of the state where this lovely plant may be killed to the ground, it
quickly rebounds with warm weather. It is a worthy landscape
plant southward from central Florida, but may be grown farther
north. It grows up to 5 m. (15 ft.) tall, but responds well to
pruning and withstands drought.
Flowers/Fruit:
The tubular red flowers
with 5 lobes born in terminal (end of stem) and axillary (where leaves
join stems) clusters appear almost year-round. The flowers and
stems are the same flame-red color, giving rise to the name Fire
Bush. The flowers are followed by dark red to black berries.
Leaves/Stems:
The simple, opposite or
whorled, elliptic (pointed oval) leaves have red midribs and petioles
(leaf stems) with tiny red hairs, adding to the satin-like
appearance. They are 5-15 cm. (2-6 in.) long and are often folded
upward from the central vein. The leaves have prominent veins and
wavy margins (edges).
Distribution:
Found around the edges of hammocks, roadsides, and disturbed sites from Highlands County through the Keys.
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