Family: Acanthaceae
Common name: Brazilian plume, Brazilian plume flower, Flamingo flower, Jacobinia
Brazilian plume is a tropical plant that produces tall bunches of colorful flowers, beautifying your garden and attracting pollinators. They are native to Brazil, and can grow well in warm tropical weather.
Plant Characteristics
These plants can grow 1 to 1.5 meters with erect green stems and broad green leaves. Mature stem can become slightly brown and woody, and are typically square in cross section.
Leaves are lance-shaped, broad, and bright green. They are about 10-20 cm long with a glossy green upper surface.
Brazilian plumes are renowned and loved for their plumes of bright, beautiful flowers that come in colors like yellow, purple, white, and orange.
Long tubular flowers are 4-5 cm long and have five petals, the lower petals broader than the upper ones. Flowering season is through spring and summer, the entire plant bursting into bunches of bright fireworks.
The bright color of the flowers attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and insects into the garden, that can help pollinate other plants as well.
These plants can produce small seed capsules, though it is not very common in garden plants.
Gardening tips
Brazilian plume plants thrive and bloom in good sunlight, flowering for a longer time period. They need nutrient-rich soil that does not have water logging.
It is essential to water and fertilize these plants regularly to ensure healthy plants and flowers.
Pruning can be done to keep the plants bushy and well-rounded. Brazilian plumes cannot be grown indoors since the stems would become tall and lanky without good sunlight.
These plants can look beautiful when grown in flower beds along with contrasting colors like yellow and red, or white and lavender.
Brazilian plumes are closely related to other plants like Justicia adhatoda or Aadalodakam, Justicia gendarussa: Willow-leaved Justicia, Justicia brandegeeana or Shrimp plant
Uses of Brazilian plume
Traditionally, parts of the Brazilian plume were used in the treatment of inflammations, pain, cough, cold, blood disorders, and stomach ailments. They are mostly grown as ornamentals for their beautiful flowers, and extended flowering period.
Brazilian plumes can be grown in home gardens, parks, and landscaped areas to attract and sustain bees, insects, and other pollinators. The plant is capable of growing very quickly filling the area with lush foliage and flowers.
Propagation
Justicia carnea can be propagated through seeds or cuttings.
It is very easy to propagate these plant through stem cuttings since they root well in moist, well-drained soil.
Photographed at: Jakkur lake area, Bangalore
