Russelia equisetiformis

Read about this particular plant in the newspaper and decided to document it! I've seen this before but I cannot recall where and of what occasion. Anyway, let's get to know about Russelia equisetiformis.

Background of the Plant

1) Common name: Russelia letup-letup (Malay)

                               Prathat Chine (Thai)

                               Coral Water Fall
                               Coral Bush

                               Coral Fountain
                               Firecracker Fern

2) Native: Mexico

3) Member of figwort family, Scrophulariaceae 

4) Genues name (Russelia) comes from Scottish naturalist and physician, Alexander Russell
    Species name (equisetiformis) means "like Equisetum", as the plant has the same form as Horsetail 

    plant, Equisetum

5) Plant also resembles firecrackers 

6) Flower colour: bright red, creamy yellow, pale pink 

7) Seeds are tiny and inconspicuous 

8) Fast growing, multi-branching

9) Its long and slender angular stems grow out arching first and then gracefully cascade down to form a mound

10) Leaves are scale-like in shape - too small to be notice

Functions

1) As a decoration (ornamental value)

2) Medicinal purpose: anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial

3) In Nigeria, traditional healers use it to treat diabetes, cancer and inflammatory diseases.

4) Methanol extract from plant promotes hair growth;

    Extract from leaves and stems are used to make soaps and bath products.

5) Landscape use: good choice for an informal or unclipped hedge. When there is wind, the wiry branches will way but they will not break. They create much desired movement in the hot garden for a breezy effect.  

Plant Care 

1) Grow in full sun or partial sun patches in well-draining, rich soil. 

2) Keep plant hydrated and don't let soil dry out.

3) Once established, the bush has a weedy side. When the stems touch the ground, they will take root quickly. To prevent this, cut back every now and then to keep it looking fresh and neat. 

4) You can deadhead plant to stop unwanted seedlings production.

5) Feed regularly with organic goat fertilizer or any balanced liquid fertilizer.

6) Can be easily propagated using its stem cuttings of about 12cm long. Insert about halt the length of the cutting into some damp clean crumbly soil.