About Helicteres baruensis Jacq.
Helicteres baruensis Jacq. is a shrub that grows up to 2 metres (7 ft) tall. Its leaves are ovate, sometimes asymmetric, measuring 9–16 centimetres (4–6 in) long and 6–10 centimetres (2–4 in) wide, with an acute apex and a cordate base; the leaf petiole is 1–3 centimetres (0.4–1 in) long. Its flowers are zygomorphic and oblique, with shiny nectaries on the peduncle. The calyx is tubular-bell-shaped, 2.5–3 centimetres (0.98–1.2 in) long and 1 centimetre (0.4 in) wide, and bilabiate. Its petals are ribbon-like and greenish. The androgynophore is curved, 8–11 centimetres (3–4 in) long, and tomentose. The plant's capsule is spiraled, sometimes straight toward the apex, 2.3–4 centimetres (0.9–2 in) long and 1–1.3 centimetres (0.4–0.5 in) wide, and grayish. This species is native to the West Indies. It grows in warm climates at altitudes from sea level up to 30 metres (100 ft), and is associated with tropical deciduous and subdeciduous forests.
