Discover Nature at JCU Plants Plants by common name A-L Odontonema tubaeforme

Odontonema tubaeforme

Odontonema strictum

(Firespike)

FAMILY

Acanthaceae

Species

Odontonema tubaeforme

Common name

Firespike

Flower colour; life form

Red; shrub

Campus

Townsville

Description

This shrub has opposite simple leaves (about 11 x 5 cm) and a squarish stem. The tubular red, slightly curved flowers (to 4 cm long) are densely packed along a long spike. The flowers produce nectar and attract honeyeaters and sunbirds. Flowers are present most of the year. Odontonema strictum is a synonym for this species.