Mexican Fire Bush, Hamelia Patens

FAMILY:
Rubiaceae

ORIGIN:
Neotropical America

DESCRIPTION:
Grows up to 15 ft.; each node bears up to 7 whorled 6″ elliptical leaves with reddish veins and petioles; orange-red tubular flowers which attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; fruit is a small, dark red berry turning black at maturity

CULTIVATION:
Water regularly although it is drought tolerant; full sun – becomes leggy in shade

PROPAGATION:
Softwood cuttings

COMMENTS:
Indigenous natives to tropical America use leaf extracts for skin ailments such as: rashes, fungus, sores and insect bites

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