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Crossandra Firecracker

Crossandra infundibuliformis

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameCrossandra Firecracker

DescriptionAttractive evergreen shrub featuring distinctive fan-shaped flowers in vibrant shades of orange, salmon, pink, or yellow arranged in terminal spikes. Glossy, dark green leaves provide year-round appeal. Named 'Firecracker' for seed pods that burst open explosively when ripe, scattering seeds. Popular as houseplant and in tropical gardens for continuous blooms and shade tolerance. Easy to grow with minimal care, thriving in warm, humid conditions.

FamilyAcanthaceae

GenusCrossandra

TribeCrossandreae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr % ⚥ K(5) C(5) A2 G(2)

Ebracteate (no bracts, though has overlapping floral bracts), bilaterally symmetrical (zygomorphic), bisexual, 5 fused sepals, 5 fused petals forming funnel with fan-shaped limb, 2 stamens (reduced from typical 4 in Acanthaceae), 2 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features

Name 'Crossandra' from Greek 'krossos' (fringe) and 'aner/andros' (male), referring to fringed anthers. 'Infundibuliformis' means funnel-shaped. 'Firecracker' from explosive seed pods that burst when ripe. 'Aboli' and 'Kanakambaram' are Indian names. About 50 Crossandra species, mostly African
Flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, fan-shaped or funnel-shaped with 5 rounded lobes. Colors include orange, salmon, coral, pink, yellow, and apricot. Arranged in terminal spikes 2-4 inches long with overlapping bracts. Blooms nearly year-round in warm conditions, primarily spring through fall. Flowers last several days
Evergreen shrub that blooms continuously in tropical climates, primarily warm months elsewhere. Seed capsules explode when ripe, ejecting seeds several feet (hence 'Firecracker'). Bushy, compact growth. Responds well to pruning. Popular houseplant due to shade tolerance
Grows 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and wide, typically 1.5-2 feet in containers. Compact, bushy habit. Lifespan of many years (5-10+). Propagated from stem cuttings (root easily in 2-3 weeks), seeds, or division. Pinch tips for bushier growth
Native to southern India (Western Ghats, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu) and Sri Lanka. Found in tropical forests and shaded areas. Now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Popular houseplant in temperate zones
Prefers bright, indirect light to partial shade (tolerates more shade than most flowering plants). Thrives in warm, humid conditions (60-80°F/15-27°C). Requires well-drained, moisture-retentive soil. Water regularly; keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Mist for humidity. Frost tender. Zones 10-11 outdoors
Excellent houseplant and shade garden plant. Blooms in low light where few flowering plants succeed. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Non-toxic to pets. Used in traditional Indian medicine for ear infections and skin conditions. Low maintenance. Symbolizes prosperity in Indian culture. Popular in temple gardens

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificCrossandra infundibuliformis

English (Alternate)Crossandra, Florida Sunset

Hindiप्रियदर्श (Priyadarsha), कनकम्बरम (kanakambaram)

Tamilகனகாம்பரம் (Kanakambaram), அபோலி (Apōli)

Teluguకనకాంబరం (Kanakambaram)

Malayalamകനകാംബരം (Kanakambaram)

Kannadaಕನಕಾಂಬರ (Kanakambara)

Sanskritकनकाम्बर (Kanakambara)

Bengaliক্রসান্ড্রা (Krosandra), প্রিয়দর্শী (Priyadarshini), আঁশ ফুল (Aash Phool), এ্যাবোলি (Aboli)

Frenchcrossandre en entonnoir, fleur pétard

RussianКроссандра воронковидная (Krossandra voronkovidnaya)

Spanishplantas de petardo, Russelia equisetiformis

GermanCrossandra infundibuliformis

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.