Streptosolen jamesonii aka Marmalade Bush

Taxonomy

Genus Streptosolen Family Solanaceae Order Solanales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Streptosolen jamesonii, also known as the marmalade bush or fire bush, is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the Solanaceae family. It is closely related to the genus Browallia and is native to open woodlands in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru. This evergreen shrub features loose clusters of flowers that start off yellow and gradually change to red, giving it an appearance similar to orange marmalade. In Ecuador, it is known by the Spanish names flor de quinde, flor del sol, and jaboncillo. The flowers of S. jamesonii are typical of bird-pollinated flowers, lacking a strong scent and secreting a large amount of nectar. They are frequently visited by the iridescent green hummingbird species Chlorostilbon poortmani, which acts as a pollinator. The plant has also become naturalized in certain areas of Hawaii. This scrambling shrub can reach a height of 3 meters and has small dark green leaves. Its slender-tubed flowers, measuring 3-4cm in length, have bright yellow and deep orange lobes. S. jamesonii is a popular shrub in Sydney gardens due to its long flowering period from July to November. It enjoys sun and good soil and can be trained against a wall or tip-pruned to maintain a dense shrubby shape.

Common names

Marmalade Bush, Orange Browallia, Firebush

How to care for Marmalade Bush

Difficulty

Marmalade Bush presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Lighting

Marmalade Bush thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Firebush.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Marmalade Bush to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

More info:
Wikipedia