Odontonema callistachyum

Odontonema callistachyum
Inflorescence
Botanical illustration
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Acanthaceae
Genus:	Odontonema
Species:	O. callistachyum
Binomial name
Odontonema callistachyum (Schltdl. & Cham.) Kuntze
Synonyms [1]
List Aphelandra longiracemosaLindl. Justicia callistachyaSchltdl. & Cham. Odontonema breedloveiV.M.Baum Odontonema geminatum(Donn.Sm.) S.F.Blake Odontonema lilacinumKuntze Thyrsacanthus callistachyus(Schltdl. & Cham.) Nees Thyrsacanthus callistachyus var. amplusNees Thyrsacanthus geminatusDonn.Sm. Thyrsacanthus lilacinusLindl.

Odontonema callistachyum, the purple firespike, is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae. ^[2] It is native to Mexico and northern Central America, and has been introduced to Cuba and the Dominican Republic. ^[1] A perennial shrub, it is typically found in the seasonally dry tropics. ^{[1] [2]} It is grown as an outdoor ornamental, and can tolerate shade. ^{[3] [2]}

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  At the Jardín de Aclimatación de La Orotava
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  Nearly spent flowers
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  Close-up of flower
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  Leaves

References

1. "Odontonema callistachyum (Schltdl. & Cham.) Kuntze". Plants of the World Online . Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew . Retrieved 14 July 2025.
2. "Purple Firespike (Odontonema callistachyum)". Plants Database. National Gardening Association. 2025. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
3. "Odontonema callistachyum (ODTCA)". EPPO Global Database. European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization. 2025. Retrieved 14 July 2025. Common names; firespike, purple firespike, purple flame