Full Plant
Plant Details
Local Name:
Vitarappoo
Common Name:
Firebush, Hummingbird Bush, and Scarlet Bush
Scientific Name:
Hamelia patens jacq.
Family:
Rubiaceae
Vernacular Name:
Pavizhamulla, Firebush
Habit:
perennial shrub or small tree
Habitat:
Thrives in open areas, thickets, and forest clearings
Distribution:
Florida, the southern United States, Argentina, the Bahamas, and the Caribbean.
Flowering Season:
Throughout the year
Fruiting Season:
Throughout the year
Altitude:
up to 600
Location:
kottakkal, parappur
GPS Coordinates:
11.0121° N, 75.9947° E
Collection Date:
2025-06-18
Collector Name:
Rajla A M
IUCN Status:
Least Concern (LC)
Invasive Status:
invasive
Description:
Hamelia patens, commonly known as firebush or scarlet bush, is a perennial shrub or small tree native to the Americas, thriving in tropical and subtropical regions. It's characterized by its vibrant, tubular, orange-red flowers that bloom throughout the year, attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. The plant typically grows 8 to 12 feet tall, with the ability to reach 15 feet with support, and can tolerate full sun to partial shade, as well as heat and drought once established.