Family: Acanthaceae
Author: Lindl.
Bibliography: Edwards’s Bot. Reg. 17: t. 1397 (1831)
Year: 1831
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Justicia
Vegetable: False
Observations: SE. & S. Brazil to Argentina (Misiones)
Description
The Brazilian-plume is an eye-catching and exotic plant that adds a touch of tropical flair to gardens and landscapes. Scientifically known as Justicia carnea, this vibrant plant belongs to the Acanthaceae family. Originally detailed by Lindl. in the prestigious Edwards’s Botanical Register in the year 1831, it has been admired for its unique beauty and resilience.
Native to the southeastern and southern regions of Brazil, extending to Misiones in Argentina, the Brazilian-plume thrives in warm, humid environments. These areas provide the perfect conditions for its lush growth, characterized by striking pink to purplish flowers that bloom profusely, creating an impressive plume-like display.
This perennial shrub can reach up to 1.5 meters in height and it sports broad, dark green leaves that form a dense foliage. The leaves themselves are quite attractive, adding to the plant’s overall appeal even when it is not in bloom. The tubular flowers, however, are the star of the show, attracting various pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies, making it a beneficial addition to any garden focused on supporting wildlife.
Care for the Brazilian-plume involves ensuring it has rich, well-drained soil and plenty of water, especially during dry spells. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun as long as it is kept sufficiently moist. This plant is relatively easy to maintain and is known for its rapid growth and ability to bounce back even after being cut back severely.
In addition to its ornamental uses, the Brazilian-plume can also be grown in containers, making it a versatile choice for both garden beds and patios. Its impressive flower spikes can also be used in floral arrangements, providing a tropical touch to indoor spaces.
In summary, the Brazilian-plume (Justicia carnea) is a delightful addition to any garden, offering strikingly beautiful flowers and lush foliage. Its ease of care and vibrant presence make it a favorite among gardeners in suitable climates.
Common Names
Eng: brazilian-plume, flamingo-flower, king’s-crown, plumeflower
Deu: brasilianische justizie
Swe: praktjakobinia
Spa: vara de la justicia
En: Brazilian-plume, Flamingo-flower, Plumeflower, King’s-crown
Ar: شخض لحمي
Zh: 珊瑚花
Nl: Jacobinia
Fi: Isojaakonkukka
De: Brasilianische Justizie
Fa: مشعلی
Es: Vara de la justicia
Sv: Praktjakobinia
Zh-tw: 珊瑚花
Synonyms
- Jacobinia carnea ((Lindl.) G.Nicholson)
- Jacobinia pohliana ((Nees) Benth. & Hook.f. ex B.D.Jacks.)
- Orthotactus pohlianus (Nees)
- Jacobinia obtusior (L.H.Bailey)
- Cyrtanthera pohliana var. velutina (Nees)
- Amphiscopia pohliana var. angustifolia (Nees)
- Orthotactus ciliatus (Nees)
- Jacobinia magnifica ((Nees) Lindau)
- Cyrtanthera carnea ((Lindl.) Bremek.)
- Amphiscopia pohliana (Nees)
- Dianthera pohliana f. angustifolia (Voss)
- Dianthera pohliana ((Nees) G.Nicholson)
- Jacobinia magnifica var. carnea ((Lindl.) L.H.Bailey)
- Orthotactus pohlianus var. angustifolius (Nees)
- Ecbolium sellinii (Kuntze)
- Porphyrocoma pohliana ((Nees) Lindau)
- Cyrtanthera pohliana (Nees)
- Cyrtanthera magnifica (Nees)
- Cyrtanthera magnifica var. minor (Nees)
- Cyrtanthera pohliana var. obtusior (Nees)
- Jacobinia splendens (Voss)
- Jacobinia pohliana f. velutina ((Nees) Voss)
- Ecbolium pohlianun ((Nees) Kuntze)
- Porphyrocoma longifolia (Voss)
- Cyrtanthera longiflora ((Vis.) Nees)
- Justicia magnifica (Pohl ex Nees)
- Ethesia carnea (Raf.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Azores (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Cook Is. (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Mexico Central (introduced)
- Myanmar (introduced)
- St.Helena (introduced)
- Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Aug 7, 2019 by R Groot (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 14, 2020 by mf maryan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2021 by LoveFlowers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 30, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2020 by Chris Griggs (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2021 by Rezini Josias Alan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 30, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Nov 30, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 25, 2019 by saskia saskia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2019 by Mathieu sonnick (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 8, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 30, 2020 by Correa Esteban (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 31, 2021 by Flóra Hajdú (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 28, 2016 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 30, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 30, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Aug 2, 2021 by cassie ward (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:132826-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3770188)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Justicia carnea Lindl.)