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Pachystachys coccinea

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Pachystachys coccinea

Family Name: Acanthaceae
Common Name: Cardinal's Guard

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Shrub
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution Trinidad to Peru
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Non-native (Spontaneous (Casual))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Evergreen shrub with an erect growth form, able to grow up to 0.5 - 2 m tall.
Foliage Green foliage, ovate-elliptic, slightly wavy margins, measuring about 20 cm long.
Flowers Tubular red flowers borne in a cone-shaped inflorescence with green bracts, measuring about 20 cm long.
Etymology Genus Pachystachys means "with thick spikes" and refers to the type of inflorescence that the plant has. Species coccinea means "scarlet" and refers to the colour of the flowers.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Rootzone Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils
Propagation Method Stem Cutting

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Red
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Individual Flower Shape Tubular
Inflorescence Type Spike

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 30029
Species ID 4338
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.
Species record last updated on: 05 August 2022.
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