Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Rounded, Shrubby |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An evergreen shrub with a rounded or spreading growth habit. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are oppositely arranged along the stem, ovate shaped with serrrated (toothed) leaf margin. Leaves are variegated of green and white. |
| Flowers | Salverform flowers, fragrant, bright red to orange. The flowers are arranged in clusters known as umbels. |
| Fruit | Fleshy fruits, called as drupes. However, the seeds are typically not viable because 95% of the pollen is sterile. |
| Cultivation | This cultivar is easy to grow and fast growing. Once established, the plant thrives even under poor growing conditions such as drought and nutrient-poor soils. It flowers best under full sun. To promote bushy growth, remove growing tips by pinching. Prune regularly to control its aggressive growth, or pot in a large container. They bloom better if they are allowed to be slightly rootbound. It is best to remove spent flowers and control fruiting because the green unripe fruits are toxic upon ingestion. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | This cultivar is planted for its brightly coloured flowers. It is often planted on flower beds and as border. It is ideal for butterfly gardens for its nectar and host plant. It is also an excellent choice for water conscious gardeners as it is highly drought tolerant. |
|---|---|
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Fragrant (Flowers) |
| Landscape Uses | General, Parks & Gardens, Coastal, Flowerbed / Border, Container Planting |
| Thematic Landscaping | Butterfly Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Toxic Upon Ingestion |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly-Attracting, Butterfly Host Plant |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Saline Soils / Salt Spray, Poor Infertile Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils, Easy to Grow |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Potential Problems | Whiteflies may be a problem. Spray plant with pesticide containing neem or pyrethrum on both upper and lower leaf surface. Plants are also susceptible to scale insects and leaf chewing insects. |
| Pest(s) | Chewing Insects, Sucking Insects |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Serrate / Toothed |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Woody, Herbaceous |
|---|
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Orange, Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Individual Flower Shape | Salverform |
| Inflorescence Type | Umbel |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flower Lifespan on Plant | Several Days |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Black |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 29758 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 4067 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
