Russelia equisetitormis
Family: Plantaginaceae
Description: This is a deciduous, asparagus-like, many-branched, tropical subshrub (to 4’ tall) with trailing rush-like 4-angled stems and bright red tubular firecracker-like flowers (o 2.7 cm (1.25 inches) long in drooping terminal cymes. Needle-like medium green leaves to 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) long.
Field Identification: This is a multi-branching plant with thin leaves and arching foliage that measure around 1.2–1.5 m (4 –5 feet). The stems and tiny oval leaves are bright green. It flowers profusely, with small, decumbent red flowers, earning the plant the common name ‘firecracker fern’ as it gives the impression of a bush set ablaze.
Plant Trivia: Genus name honors Dr. Alexander Russell (c. 1715-1768), physician to the English Factory at Aleppo. Seedlings and main stock separation transplant readily.
Occurrence: Mexico and Guatemala
Bloom Period: Year Round
Plant Use: Landscaping; popular nectar plant for hummingbirds and butterflies and is moderately salt tolerant.
