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Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees
| Family Name: | Acanthaceae |
| Synonyms: | Justicia infundibuliformis, Crossandra undulaefolia |
| Common Name: | Firecracker Flower, Firecracker Plant, Crossandra, 半边黄, 鸟尾花 |
Name
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Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 0.3 m to 1 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | India, Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand |
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Exotic (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is an erect, evergreen, low shrub of up to 1 m tall. |
| Foliage | Leaves are narrowly ovate to lanceolate (8 - 13 cm long). They droop slightly and occur in whorls of 3 - 4. |
| Flowers | Flowers are salverform; each flower has a thin tube (2.5 cm long) with 5 lobes (2 - 4 cm wide) that are perpendicular to the tube. The throat may be red or yellow. They are arranged in terminal inflorescences. Below the flowers, green, leaf-like bracts are arranged like a head of wheat. The bracts are covered in soft, white hairs. Flowering occurs throughout the year. |
| Fruits | Fruits are ellipsoid to oblong (1 cm long) and each contains 4 round seeds. They are classifed as capsules. Capsules are dry, dehiscent fruits. |
| Habitat | It occurs in the foothills at altitudes of up to 1300 m. |
| Cultivation | Plant in fertile soil enriched with organic matter and having good drainage. It is sensitive to overwatering and waterlogged sites. Allow the soil to dry before re-watering. Prune the plants to keep their height low, or the plants will develop a sprawling habit. Remove the brown seed pods and fertilize regularly to promote continuous flowering and healthy green leaves. It is susceptible to scale insects and spider mites. Indoor plants should be fed biweekly with a half-diluted general fertilizer. |
| Etymology | The genus name "Crossandra" is derived from 2 Greek words, "krossos" meaning fringe and "andros" meaning male. The reference is to the fringe of hairs on the male stamens in many species of this genus. The specific epithet "infundibuliformis" means trumpet-shaped, or funnel-shaped which refers to the flower shape. The common name "Firecracker Plant" refers to how mature capsules will explosively dehisce when touched with a moist finger. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Cultural / Religious ( The plant is planted around temples for decoration.) [Others]: In India and Sri Lanka, the flowers are combined with jasmine flowers to adorn women hair. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscaping | This species makes a colourful ground cover, low hedge or bedding plant. The flowers will add bright colour to partially shady areas. It also has an interesting contrast in texture. The flowers have a soft appearance, while the glossy leaves seem hard in comparison. Consider planting this species next to ferns, impatiens or caladiums. |
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
| Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Landscape Uses | Flowerbed / Border, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Container Planting |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Abiotic (Explosive Dehiscence) |
