Coralplant (Russelia equisetiformis, Linnaea 6: 377 (1831))

Family: Plantaginaceae

Author: Schltdl. & Cham.

Bibliography: Linnaea 6: 377 (1831)

Year: 1831

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Russelia

Vegetable: False

Observations: Mexico

Description

The Coralplant, scientifically known as Russelia equisetiformis, is a captivating ornamental plant that hails from Mexico. Described in the botanical literature as early as 1831 by the botanists Diederich Franz Leonhard von Schlechtendal and Adelbert von Chamisso, this plant adds a dash of elegance and vibrancy to gardens and landscapes.

Belonging to the family Plantaginaceae, the Coralplant is renowned for its delicate, arching stems and profusion of vibrant, tubular flowers that range in color from bright red to coral pink. These cascading stems are reminiscent of horsetails, a feature that inspired the species name “equisetiformis,” which means “like Equisetum.”

Apart from its ornamental appeal, Russelia equisetiformis attracts hummingbirds and bees, making it a beneficial addition to any garden designed to support pollinators. Its graceful, weeping habit and light, airy foliage also make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, where its stems can tumble freely, or for planting along the edges of walls where it can cascade beautifully over the sides.

The Coralplant thrives best in well-drained soil and locations that receive full sun to partial shade. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners seeking a hardy yet attractive plant. Though it is native to Mexico, it has become a popular choice in various regions around the world, appreciated for its resilience and its striking floral display.

Overall, the Coralplant is not just a visual delight but also an ecologically beneficial plant, making it a worthwhile addition to gardens aiming for both aesthetic beauty and wildlife support.

Common Names

Eng: fountainbush, coralplant, fountainplant, heath fire cracker
Swe: korallblomma
Fra: plante corail
En: Coralplant, Fountainplant, Firecracker Plant, Antigua heath, Coral Fountain, Fountainbush, Heath fire cracker
Fr: Plante corail, Russélie fausse-prêle, Goutte de sang
Es: Anturio
Sv: Korallblomma

Synonyms

• Russelia juncea (Zucc.)

Distribution

• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Assam (introduced)
• Bahamas (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Gilbert Is. (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Line Is. (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marshall Is. (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Vietnam (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.

Flower

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2013 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2019 by Jean-Pierre Fuchs (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2017 by James Shelton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 5, 2018 by Mehmet Basbag (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Alena Diggory (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2020 by Martina (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2020 by Marola TG (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 5, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 3, 2022 by christian mulder (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2020 by DreddArt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frank Vincentz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 3, 2019 by Gabriele Cardilli (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 20, 2022 by García Marcos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2020 by Aurélie vigouroux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2022 by Brau Enric (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by López Salazar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by López Salazar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2022 by Oktay Meriç (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2022 by M. Hedayat (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 27, 2021 by alireza azizi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 12, 2020 by lucija mustac (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2022 by Klaus Weberberger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by Fdez. martin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by leila nisaza (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5414601)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:808903-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Russelia equisetiformis Schltdl. & Cham.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth