Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
ventricosa
ID:
979792

Status:
valid

Authors:
Sw.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1788

Citation Micro:
Prodr. Veg. Ind. Occ. : 46 (1788)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000979130

Common Names

  • Hamelia ventricosa
  • Swollen-stemmed Hamelia
  • Tropical Firebush

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Description

Hamelia ventricosa (also called Firebush, Scarletbush, and Tropical Firebush, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree in the coffee family, native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It has a rounded shape and grows up to 8 feet tall, with bright red tubular flowers and glossy green leaves. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and can be used as a hedge or accent plant in gardens.

Uses & Benefits

Hamelia ventricosa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a hedge plant and as a windbreak. It has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat fever, colds, and other ailments.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Hamelia ventricosa are small, tubular, and yellow in color. The seeds are small, black, and oval-shaped. The seedlings are slender and have small, oval-shaped leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Hamelia ventricosa is a tropical shrub that can be propagated from cuttings. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Water regularly and fertilize every few months to encourage growth. Prune regularly to keep the plant compact and maintain a neat shape.

Where to Find Hamelia ventricosa

Hamelia ventricosa can be found in the tropical forests of Central and South America.

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,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-96050: Based on the initial data import
Olof Swartz (1760-1817): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Sw.' in the authors string.