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Russelia coccinea (L.) Wettst.
| Family Name: | Plantaginaceae |
| Synonyms: | Flamaria coccinea (L.) Raf., Scrophularia coccinea L., Russelia coccinea f. polyedrea (Zucc.) Voss, Russelia coccinea f. stipitata Carlson, Russelia paniculata M.Martens & Galeotti, Russelia serratifolia Lundell, Scrophularia lyrata Raf. |
Russelia coccinea is a multi-branched shrub with clusters of bright red tubular flowers. It has egg-shaped leaves with toothed leaf edges.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular, Grassy |
| Maximum Height | 0.9 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico to Guatemala |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Leaves are egg-shaped with toothed leaf margin and deeply veined. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | It has clusters of red tubular flowers located on the axils of the stem. |
| Habitat | It occurs on steep banks near rivers or lakes. |
| Associated Fauna | In its native habitat of Central America, it is a nectar plant for hummingbirds. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Medicinal: Plant extract has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving activity (Columba-Palomares et al., 2021). |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Flowerbed / Border, General, Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Bird & Wildlife Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird-Attracting |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Raised / Sunken Veins |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Whorled |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Ovate) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Doubly Serrate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Rounded / Obtuse |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Woody |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Red |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Bilateral |
| Individual Flower Shape | Tubular |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 34105 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8518 |
| 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. |