Status:
valid
Authors:
Standl.
Source:
wcs
Year:
1940
Citation Micro:
Publ. Field Columb. Mus., Bot. Ser. 22: 115 (1940)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000979067
Common Names
- Hamelia barbata
- Bearded Hamelia
- Bearded Firebush
Description
Hamelia barbata (also called Barbate Firebush, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree native to the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It typically grows in dry, open woods and thickets, as well as along roadsides and in disturbed areas. It has bright red flowers and grows up to 6 meters tall.
Uses & Benefits
Hamelia barbata is a popular ornamental plant, grown for its attractive foliage and clusters of small, white flowers. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, headaches, and digestive problems.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Hamelia barbata has small, yellow flowers with a reddish-brown center. The seeds are small and round, and the seedlings are small and slender with long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Hamelia barbata can be propagated by division of the rhizomes or by seed. It prefers a well-drained soil and should be grown in partial shade. It is best to water the plant regularly and keep the soil moist. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Where to Find Hamelia barbata
Hamelia barbata is native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, including Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.
Species in the Hamelia genus
Hamelia axillaris,
Hamelia barbata,
Hamelia calycosa,
Hamelia chrysantha,
Hamelia cuprea,
Hamelia longipes,
Hamelia macrantha,
Hamelia magnifolia,
Hamelia papillosa,
Hamelia patens,
Hamelia rostrata,
Hamelia rovirosae,
Hamelia sanguinea,
Hamelia ventricosa,
Hamelia xerocarpa,
Hamelia xorullensis,
Species in the Rubiaceae family
Acranthera abbreviata,
Acranthera anamallica,
Acranthera athroophlebia,
Acranthera atropella,
Acranthera aurantiaca,
Acranthera axilliflora,
Acranthera bullata,
Acranthera capitata,
Acranthera ceylanica,
Acranthera didymocarpa,
Acranthera endertii,
Acranthera frutescens,
Acranthera grandiflora,
Acranthera hallieri,
Acranthera hirtostipula,
Acranthera involucrata,
Acranthera johannis-winkleri,
Acranthera lanceolata,
Acranthera longipes,
Acranthera longipetiolata,
Acranthera maculata,
Acranthera megaphylla,
Acranthera monantha,
Acranthera nieuwenhuisii,
Acranthera ophiorhizoides,
Acranthera parviflora,
Acranthera philippensis,
Acranthera ruttenii,
Acranthera salmonea,
Acranthera siamensis,
Acranthera siliquosa,
Acranthera simalurensis,
Acranthera sinensis,
Acranthera strigosa,
Acranthera tomentosa,
Acranthera variegata,
Acranthera velutinervia,
Acranthera yatesii,
Acranthera philippinensis,
Acranthera burmanica,
Acranthera virescens,
Acranthera hoangii,
Acranthera collina,
Acrobotrys discolor,
Acrosynanthus jamaicensis,
Acrosynanthus latifolius,
Acrosynanthus minor,
Acrosynanthus ovatus,
Acrosynanthus parvifolius,
Acrosynanthus revolutus,