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 ative |
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Common name: Red Crossandra, Red firecracker flower, கனகாம்பரம் Kanakambaram (Tamil), Aboli आबोली (Marathi), Abuli आबुली (Konkani)
Botanical name: Crossandra nilotica Family: Acanthaceae (ruellia family)
The crossandra is in the family with Mexican petunias, or ruellias, and the
yellow shrimp plant.
This tropical from India and Sri Lanka sports red blossoms instead of the
common orange ones seen in the firecracker flower. In addition to
the flowers that are practically non-stop for the entire season, the foliage
also offers added interest. The leaves are glossy and most striking.
Choose a site with well-drained, fertile soil with perhaps a little morning
sun. If you have tight, heavy clay soil, the crossandra will reward you for
incorporating 3 to 4 inches of organic matter. As the plant grows, keep it
deadheaded and pinched back; it will maintain a bushy shape and keep blooming
with each new flush of growth.
| Photographed in
New Delhi |
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