Justicia spicigera

Justicia spicigera
Mexican honeysuckle -- Justicia spicigera
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Justicia
Species: J. spicigera
Binomial name
Justicia spicigera

Justicia spicigera (Mexican honeysuckle, firecracker bush, moyotle, moyotli, mohintli, muicle, trompetilla, or ych-kaan in Mayan) is an evergreen shrub with tubular orange flowers.[1] The species is native to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua.

Description

Muicle shrubs grow perennially in full sun or partial shade, and typically reach heights of between 2-5 feet. Their leaves are around 2 inches long, and their bright orange flowers are known for attracting hummingbirds. They prefer warm weather, but can tolerate temperatures down to about 26°F. [2]

Uses

Muicle can be made into a tea by boiling the leaves in water. As the leaves boil, they dye the water bright red or royal purple, which explains why the plant has also been traditionally used to make dye.

References

  1. ↑ Justicia spicigera: University of Arizona Pima County Cooperative Extension
  2. ↑ Martin, Chris A. "Arizona State University Virtual Library of Arizona Landscape Plants: Justicia Spicigera". Arizona State University.
  • "Justicia spicigera". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 2008-03-01.
  • USDA Plants Database: Justicia spicigera Schltdl.


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