Pachystachys spicata
Family: Acanthaceae
Synonym: Justicia spicata, Pachystachys riedeliana
Note: there is some confusion officially between this species name and that of Pachystachys coccinea. Some reference call these two plants synomyms, others regard them as different species.
Common: Cardinal’s Guard, Chandeleire
From southern America and grown in most tropical and subtropical climates as an ornamental flowering shrub.
A soft-stemmed upright shrub with terminal inflorences displaying bright red flowers in an upright spike. Floral tubes are up to 5cm long.
Glossy green leaves, with sunked veins, are arranged opposite on the stem.
Needs a protected shaded garden and a rich fertile soil that is well mulched and watered.
