Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees

Description

Crossandra infundibuliformis (L.) Nees is an erect, evergreen shrub that reaches 1 meter in height. It has glossy leaves with wavy margins and fan-shaped flowers that can appear at any time of year.

Flower Structure

The flowers have an unusual shape with 3 to 5 asymmetrical petals. They grow from four-sided stalked spikes, and have a tube-like stalk 2 centimeters long.

Flower Color Range

Flower colors range from the common orange to salmon-orange, apricot, coral, red, yellow, and even turquoise.

Cultivation Temperature Requirement

For cultivation and uses, this plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 °C. In temperate and tropical regions, it is grown as a houseplant.

Growing Methods

It is most often cultivated in containers, but it can also be an attractive addition to garden beds. The flowers have no fragrance, but stay fresh for several days while still on the plant.

Blooming Traits

A well-cared-for plant will bloom continuously for many years. It can be propagated from either seeds or cuttings.

Horticultural Award

This plant has earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit, a confirmation that was issued in 2017. Its tiny flowers are often strung together into strands, sometimes alongside white jasmine flowers.

Traditional Uses

Because of this, they are in high demand to make garlands, which are used for offerings to temple deities or to decorate women's hair.