Kingdom Plantae Rank Species | Genus Hamelia Higher classification Hamelia | |
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Similar Hamelia, Rubiaceae, Bursera simaruba, Russelia equisetiformis, Malvaviscus | ||
Hamelia patens guardian of the forest
Hamelia patens is a large perennial shrub or small tree in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, that is native to the American subtropics and tropics. Its range extends from Florida in the southern United States to as far south as Argentina. Common names include firebush, hummingbird bush, scarlet bush, and redhead.
Contents
- Hamelia patens guardian of the forest
- Ruby throated hummingbird feeding from hamelia patens
- Growth
- Uses
- Medicinal uses
- References
Ruby throated hummingbird feeding from hamelia patens
Growth
Firebush has orangish-red tubular flowers, which recruit hummingbirds and butterflies for pollination. The corollas vary greatly in length, making them attractive to a wide range of pollinators. The fruit is a small dark red berry, turning black at maturity.
Despite its somewhat scraggy appearance, this is a valuable garden tree in warmer climates and even in temperate ones, as long as the soil remains above freezing.
Uses
Hummingbirds are attracted by its flowers and other birds feed on the fruit, both of which will also forage on small insects found in the vicinity, helping to keep down pests. The fruits have a refreshing, acidic taste and are also edible by humans; in Mexico, they are made into a fermented drink.
Medicinal uses
The plants are used in folk medicine against a range of ailments. A number of active compounds have been found in firebush, including maruquine, isomaruquine, pteropodine, isopteropodine, palmirine, rumberine, seneciophylline and stigmast-4-ene-3,6-dione. The bark contains significant amounts of tannins. In Belize, this plant's Mayan name is Ix Canaan and is also known as "Guardian of the Forest". It is valued for the leaves, which are used in preparations for treating skin conditions and infections.
