Odontonema tubaeforme

Firespike is an exotic-looking, upright, flowering shrub in the ancanthus family, native to southern Mexico and Central America. It is a tall plant, typically 6 feet high, but sometimes reaching up to 10 feet high. It has eliptical, glossy 10 inch leaves, but its most dramatic feature are the terminal spikes of large, waxy, red flowers. The genus name is from the Greek words 'odonto' meaning teeth and 'nema' meaning "thread" in reference to the stamens having toothed filaments. The species name is in reference either to the erect upright growth habit of the plant or perhaps to the erect flower spikes.

Firespike is a perennial shrub, but is not cold tolerant; thus it is usually grown as an annual frost-tender ornamental garden plant. It has been known to die back in the winter, but return in the spring. It will do best in full sun or partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. It will tolerate most soil types and PH levels, but should be sited in a site protected from wind and cold. During its flowering cycle (spring to fall) water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month. In winter, water sparingly and top dress or repot for spring. This plant can be pruned in the spring, but keep in mind that it blossoms on new wood.

Firespike can be difficult to control and has been recorded growing in the wild, often as the result of dumping garden waste. It is considered an invasive species on my Pacific islands.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

Generally disease and insect free. Can be susceptible to damage from whiteflies.