Scarlet Bush
Hamelia patens
Plant Family: Rubiaceae
Leaves: Opposite, simple, but often in whorls of 3 or 4, elliptic, to 18 cm, new leaves and leaf petioles are red. Leaf veins are prominent and follow the leaf edges.
Bark: Brown, rough.
Flowers: Orange-red, tubular, to 5 cm, in attractive terminal clusters; present all year.
Fruits: A round red berry, to 1 cm, ripening to dark purple, edible; throughout the year.
Habitat: Hammock edges, thickets, widely planted.
Growth Form: Usually a shrub, but may take the form of a small tree.
Similar Species: Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) also has whorled leaves of a similar shape, but is aquatic. The beautiful flowers and fruits of Scarlet Bush, if present, allow for easy identification.
Comments: Scarlet Bush is a widely cultivated south Florida species, the flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds. Scarlet Bush ranges south to Central and South America where extracts of the leaves are used medicinally to treat skin disorders.
