Family: Rubiaceae
Author: Jacq.
Bibliography: Enum. Syst. Pl.: 16 (1760)
Year: 1760
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hamelia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America
Description
The vibrant and captivating Redhead, scientifically known as Hamelia patens, is a remarkable plant native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. First systematically classified by Jacq. in the seminal work “Enumeratio Systematica Plantarum” published in 1760, this species has continued to capture the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Belonging to the Rubiaceae family, Hamelia patens distinguishes itself with its striking appearance and adaptability. The plant typically thrives in a variety of climates within its native range, demonstrating a versatility that makes it a beloved choice for gardeners and landscapers in similar environments around the world.
Characterized by its stunning clusters of tubular red to orange flowers, the Redhead plant not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of gardens but also serves as a critical resource for pollinators. Hummingbirds and butterflies are particularly attracted to its vibrant blooms, which provide ample nectar. Beyond its role in supporting wildlife, the plant’s enduring flowering season ensures a prolonged display of color, much to the delight of observers.
In addition to its ornamental value, Hamelia patens holds traditional significance among various cultures within its native range. The plant has been utilized in folk medicine for its perceived therapeutic properties, although modern scientific validation of these uses remains a developing field of inquiry.
One of the more intriguing aspects of this plant is its ability to thrive in conditions that range from full sun to partial shade. It can adapt to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-draining. Once established, the Redhead plant exhibits a notable tolerance to drought, making it a resilient choice for sustainable gardening practices.
In summary, Hamelia patens or Redhead is a multifaceted plant that brings together beauty, ecological value, and cultural significance. Its enduring presence in the botanical world since its formal classification in the 18th century is a testament to its unique charm and adaptability. Whether admired for its dazzling flowers, appreciated for its role in supporting pollinators, or respected for its traditional uses, the Redhead plant stands as a true marvel of the natural world.
Common Names
Por: mato-de-oreção, valmoura
Eng: redhead, scarletbush
En: Redhead, Scarletbush, Fire bush, Scarlet Bush, Scarlet-bush, Texas Firecracker Bush
Zh: 希美莉
Fi: Kolibrintulipensas
Ht: Koray
Lt: Paprastasis sartūklas
Ml: വിടരാപ്പൂവ്
Pt: Erva-de-rato, Mato de oreção, Valmoura, Mato-de-oreção
Es: Azulillo, Calvillo, Zorrillo Real, Pissí, Coralillo, Cachimbilla, Pico de Pájaro, Añilillo, Arrocillo, Cachimbillo, Canela, Canelita, Clavillo, Coloradito, Palo Camarón, Pisi, Zorrillo, Zorrillo Colorado
Zh-tw: 希美莉
Th: ประทัดไต้หวัน
Synonyms
- Schoenleinia thyrsoidea (Miers)
- Periclymenum verticillatum (Mill.)
- Hamelia ovata (Wernham)
- Hamelia patens var. axillaroides (Wernham)
- Hamelia brittoniana (Wernham)
- Hamelia brachystemon (Wernham)
- Hamelia patens var. glabra (Oerst.)
- Hamelia patens var. quinifolia (DC.)
- Hamelia erecta (Jacq.)
- Hamelia pedicellata (Wernham)
- Lonicera verticillata ((Mill.) Steud.)
- Hamelia latifolia (Rchb. ex DC.)
- Hamelia lanuginosa (M.Martens & Galeotti)
- Hamelia verticillata (Moc. & Sessé ex DC.)
- Hamelia tubiflora (Wernham)
- Hamelia intermedia (Urb. & Ekman)
- Hamelia nodosa (M.Martens & Galeotti)
- Hamelia coccinea (Sw.)
- Hamelia viridifolia (Wernham)
- Duhamelia odorata (Willd. ex Schult.)
- Duhamelia patens ((Jacq.) Pers.)
- Duhamelia sphaerocarpa ((Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.)
- Hamelia sphaerocarpa (Ruiz & Pav.)
- Hamelia suaveolens (Kunth)
- Hamelia corymbosa (Sessé & Moc.)
- Hamelia patens var. erecta ((Jacq.) DC.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Belize (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Florida (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Southwest Caribbean (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- West Himalaya (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jul 10, 2019 by Herrera Álvaro (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2021 by Hitesh Awasthy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 23, 2020 by zuñiga Eduardo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2021 by Hdz Mtz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2021 by alonso peralta (cc-by-sa)
© 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.
Habit
Taken Dec 17, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 5, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 1, 2022 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 8, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 4, 2019 by miranda maryan17 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 31, 2020 by Jhake Reyes (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 28, 2021 by Markus Faust (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 3, 2020 by Tammy Barthle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Sen Shirish (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 22, 2022 by Cambronero Fabián (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)
Taken Aug 4, 2021 by sebastian muñoz Ramirez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 28, 2021 by Markus Faust (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 3, 2019 by Londoño Verónica (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 30, 2021 by Aro Federico (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Daniel H. Janzen (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – R. Aguilar (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 10, 2019 by Juan Peralta (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – D.Solano (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jun 17, 2009 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 14, 2021 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 23, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Geneviève Botti (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2902066)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:752194-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hamelia patens Jacq.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Tree, Shrub