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desert honeysuckle
Scientific Name: Anisacanthus
Family: Acanthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Desert Honeysuckle (Anisacanthus thurberi)
Also commonly known as Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle or Chuparosa, Anisacanthus thurberi is a vibrant shrub found in the southwestern United States and beyond.
Considerations for Pets
- This is a shrub with woody stems.
- The bark is shreddy.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Anisacanthus thurberi
- Common Names: Thurber's Desert Honeysuckle, Chuparosa, Desert Honeysuckle
- Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus family)
- Genus: Anisacanthus
- Synonyms/Related Species: Anisacanthus puberulus (Dwarf desert honeysuckle), Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Wright's Desert Honeysuckle/Flame Honeysuckle). The genus Justicia is also mentioned in association with Desert Honeysuckle, though not as a direct synonym.
- Symbol: ANISA
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas.
- Common in Arizona.
- Frequently found along washes and creeks in Texas.
- More often seen in the southwest US.
- Prefers well-drained, lean soils with little compost.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Evergreen shrub reaching up to 6 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
- Stout branches with white, exfoliating bark.
- Fuzzy 3-inch leaves.
- Tubular flowers borne in clusters, typically bright orange to reddish-orange.
- Woody stems.
- Open shrub form.
Ecological Role
- Attracts hummingbirds with its long, colorful, tubular flowers.
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- Goes winter dormant.
Quirky Facts
- Despite its common name, Desert Honeysuckle is not a true honeysuckle but belongs to the Acanthus family.