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Russelia
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Russelia

Russelia equisetiformis

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameRusselia
DescriptionSpectacular tropical subshrub renowned for its graceful, cascading habit and profuse display of small, tubular, coral-red flowers that resemble miniature firecrackers, creating a stunning waterfall effect. Native to Mexico and Guatemala, it features slender, rush-like green stems that arch elegantly, growing 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 m) tall and spreading 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) wide. Blooming abundantly from late spring through fall (year-round in warm climates), it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies while thriving in full sun with minimal care, perfect for hanging baskets, containers, and trailing over walls.
FamilyPlantaginaceae
GenusRusselia
TribeRusselieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula% ☿ K(5) C(5) A4 G(2)

Zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), bisexual, 5 fused sepals, 5 fused petals forming tube, 4 stamens (didynamous), 2 fused carpels with superior ovary typical of Plantaginaceae

Features
  • Name 'Russelia' honors Alexander Russell, Scottish naturalist and physician. 'Equisetiformis' from Latin 'equus' (horse) and 'saeta' (bristle), meaning 'horsetail-like', referring to rush-like stems. 'Firecracker Plant' describes explosive flower display.
  • Flowers tubular, 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, resembling miniature firecrackers. Colors: coral-red, scarlet (most common), also orange, pink, yellow, white varieties. Arranged in drooping terminal clusters. Blooms late spring to fall (year-round in warm climates). Profuse flowering.
  • Stems slender, four-angled, rush-like, bright green, arching or weeping habit. Leaves small, needle-like, inconspicuous, blending with stems. Creates fountain or waterfall effect. Semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on climate.
  • Size: 2-5 feet (0.6-1.5 m) tall, spreads 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) wide. Multi-branched subshrub. Lifespan 5+ years as perennial. Propagated by cuttings, seeds, division. Fast-growing. Zones 9-11 as perennial, annual elsewhere.
  • Native to Mexico and Guatemala. Widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Naturalized in warm climates. Thrives in zones 9-11, grown as annual in cooler zones.
  • Requires full sun (6+ hours) for best flowering. Tolerates partial shade. Prefers average, well-drained soil (sandy, rocky, or loamy). Drought-tolerant once established. Moderate salt tolerance. Heat-tolerant to 100°F+ (38°C+). Not frost-hardy.
  • Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bees with nectar-rich flowers. Used in hanging baskets, containers, raised beds, trailing over walls, rock gardens. Deer and rabbit resistant. Low allergen. Excellent for hot, dry locations. Provides year-round interest.
  • Minimal fertilizer needed (monthly during growing season). Water moderately, allow soil to dry between waterings. Prune in late winter/early spring to maintain shape. Deadheading not required. Watch for aphids, whiteflies. Very low-maintenance, pest-resistant.

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificRusselia equisetiformis
English (Alternate)Coral Fountain, Firecracker, Coral Plant, Coral blow, Fountain Plant, Fountainbush
Hindiरसीली (Rasili)
Tamilசெर्வாಲಿ (Cheervali), கோரல் செடி (Coral Plant), ஃபிர்வாக்რെகெರ್ செடி (Firecracker Plant)
Teluguఎర్రని పువ్వుల మొక్క (errani puvvula mokka), కరోల్ ప్లాంట్ (Karol Plant), రస్సెలియా (Russelia)
Malayalamപവിഴ സസ്യം (pavizha sasyam),പടക്ക ചെടി (padakka chedi)
Kannadaಹವಳದ ಹೂವು (Havaala huuvu),ಬೆಂಕಿಪೊಟ್ಟಣದ ಗಿಡ (Benkipottanada Gida)
Sanskritरसीली (Rasili), अग्निमुखी (Agni-mukhi), अग्निशिखा (Agni-shikha)
Bengaliরাসেলিয়া (Russelia), রাসেলিয়া (Firecracker plant)
Frenchrussélie fausse-prêle
RussianРасселия (Rasseliya)
Spanishlluvia de coral, coralillo
GermanFeuerwerksblume, Fackelpflanze

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.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.