Scarlet bouvardia (Bouvardia ternifolia, Linnaea 26: 98 (1854))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: (Cav.) Schltdl.

Bibliography: Linnaea 26: 98 (1854)

Year: 1854

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Bouvardia

Vegetable: False

Observations: SE. Arizona to SW. Texas and Honduras

Description

The Scarlet Bouvardia, scientifically known as Bouvardia ternifolia, is an enchanting perennial shrub belonging to the Rubiaceae family. This striking plant has captivated botanists and nature enthusiasts alike since its formal description was published in Linnaea in 1854 by Cav. and later revised by Schltdl.

Known for its vibrant scarlet red flowers, the Scarlet Bouvardia adds a stunning splash of color to the landscapes it inhabits. These blooms, which typically appear in clusters, are tubular in shape and serve as a beacon for hummingbirds and other nectar-feeding species. The foliage of the Scarlet Bouvardia is equally noteworthy, with ovate leaves that are arranged in whorls of three, adding an appealing structural contrast to its vivid flowers.

Scarlet Bouvardia thrives in regions spanning from southeastern Arizona to southwestern Texas and extends its presence into Honduras. It adapts well to varying environmental conditions within this range but particularly favors well-drained soils and areas that receive ample sunlight. The plant’s robust nature makes it a resilient choice for gardens and natural landscapes in these locales.

Beyond its ornamental value, Scarlet Bouvardia has intrigued botanists for centuries, with its first recorded observations adding considerable value to the botanical literature. This plant’s ability to flourish in diverse climates while maintaining its striking beauty ensures that it remains a cherished species within the horticultural and ecological communities.

Common Names

Spa: clavillo, trompetilla
Eng: firecrackerbush, scarlet bouvardia
En: Scarlet bouvardia, Firecrackerbush
Zh: 寒丁子
Es: Clavillo, Trompetilla

Synonyms

• Bouvardia splendens (Graham)
• Bouvardia viperalis (Schltdl.)
• Bouvardia quaternifolia (DC.)
• Bouvardia linearis (Kunth)
• Bouvardia coccinea ((Andrews) Link)
• Bouvardia tenuiflora (Schltdl.)
• Bouvardia ovata (A.Gray)
• Bouvardia hirtella var. quaternifolia ((DC.) Rothr.)
• Bouvardia glaberrima (Engelm.)
• Bouvardia jacquinii (Kunth)
• Bouvardia angustifolia (Kunth)
• Bouvardia endlichii (Loes.)
• Bouvardia orizabensis (Standl.)
• Bouvardia hypoleuca (Benth.)
• Ixora ternifolia (Cav.)
• Bouvardia ternifolia var. angustifolia ((Kunth) B.L.Rob.)
• Bouvardia triphylla (Salisb.)
• Bouvardia tolucana (Hook. & Arn.)
• Bouvardia scabrida (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Bouvardia fruticosa (Sessé & Moc.)
• Bouvardia houtteana (Schltdl.)
• Carphalea pubiflora (Moc. & Sessé ex DC.)
• Bouvardia hirtella (Kunth)
• Bouvardia microphylla (Schltdl.)
• Bouvardia jacquinii var. exogyna (DC.)
• Bouvardia triphylla var. splendens ((Graham) Lindl.)
• Bouvardia jacquinii var. ovata (DC.)
• Bouvardia triphylla var. angustifolia ((Kunth) A.Gray)
• Houstonia coccinea (Andrews)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 10, 2015 by EOL − Alfonso Gutiérrez Aldana (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 13, 2020 by Ditavonrip (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 15, 2020 by Robert Hooper (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2019 by lopez de cardenas rodrigo (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2019 by gutierrez mauricio (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 16, 2019 by Isaac Schneller (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 7, 2021 by Lupo Lupo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2020 by Gaël gerni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2019 by urbina abugail (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2019 by Darin Olien (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 13, 2014 by EOL − Alfredo Eloisa (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 3, 2013 by EOL − marian_escoto (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 30, 2013 by EOL − lucio_13 (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 15, 2013 by EOL − Zabdiel Peralta (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2013 by EOL − Carlos Velazco (cc-by-nc)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2910221)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:745109-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schltdl.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub, Subshrub

Growth