Dicliptera Suberecta, firecracker plant
/By: Jade Simms
Here we see bilabiate, tubular, bright red florets.
Taken by author
Dicliptera squarrosa, commonly known as firecracker or hummingbird plant. Has had many names both scientific and common but was most recently known as Dicliptera suberecta and even two more times as Jacobinia suberecta, Justicia suberecta. This herbaceous perennial has a habit to spread to surrounding free spaces, making it perfect to help fill flower beds with a fiery floral display. Being native to Central South America, Dicliptera squarrosa grows best in the southern regions of the United States, such as California, Georgia, Florida, and Texas. Naturally, this means the firecracker plant thrives in full sun, moderate to wet soils, and even higher sand contents. Whenever deciding to grow a firecracker plant, make sure there is proper drainage as this is one of the only things you need to worry about. This perennial is known to thrive off neglect and doesn't need much attention after it's been planted. Additionally, cuttings can be saved from the stem to be used in further propagation.
An image displaying the green and slightly grayish color of the leaves
Taken by author
Dicliptera squarrosa belongs to the Acanthaceae family, and like many plants in that family, the hummingbird plant has simple leaf type and an opposite leaf arrangement. These leaves can be either green or a grayish color, with a soft texture and approximately 3 inches each. The plant alone can grow 2 feet tall and can spread over 3 feet. An added benefit to the foliage of this plant is that deer aren't fond of it, making it last longer than other plants would in an open flower bed. However, there is a creature very fond of the plant as one of the common name suggests, hummingbirds. The bright red and orange tubular flowers attract the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird and many species of straw-tongued butterflies. Firecracker plants can even bloom on different occasions throughout the year in the summer, spring, and fall, making them a desirable perennial.
When looking at the plant through a profitability standpoint, it's worth noting that the plant has no known serious insect problems or diseases. Being slightly salt tolerant and enjoying full sun makes it a great option for coastal locations. Most importantly for this plant however, is its ability to attract pollinators. Dicliptera squarrosa is an essential plant for any butterfly garden. This is partly attributed to the bright bilabiate flowers that occur in clusters at the top of a beautiful sturdy stem. Despite butterflies' affinity for the plant, the hummingbird plant is exactly that. In “...Dicliptera squarrosa (Acanthaceae) and its dependence on hummingbirds…” we discover that hummingbirds are the only pollinator for this plant. Bird enthusiasts and gardeners both love seeing this quick bird ‘hum’ around the garden and bring an added color and creature. (Matias, R., et al., 2019)
Dicliptera squarrosa is becoming more popular in North America due to its drought resistance and hardiness to certain environments or soil types. While giving your garden a butterfly and hummingbird attractor, this plant is great in urban landscapes due to the low maintenance required. So if you want to start a plant ‘fire’ go ahead and give these herbaceous perennials a ‘crack’.
Work Cited
North Carolina, Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox. Dicliptera squarrosa. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/dicliptera-squarrosa/
Matias, R., Furtado, M., Rodrigues, S., & Consolaro, H. (2019). Floral resource availability of Dicliptera squarrosa (Acanthaceae) and its dependence on hummingbirds for fruit formation in a forest fragment of Central Brazil. Plant Ecology and Evolution, 152(1), 68-77. Retrieved September 14, 2020, from http://www.jstor.org/stable/44974609
Missouri Botanical Garden. Plant Finder. Dicliptera squarrosa http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=w340
