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Wright's desert honeysuckle
Scientific Name: Anisacanthus quadrifidus
Family: Acanthaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii: Wright's Desert Honeysuckle
Known by a multitude of names, including Wright's Desert Honeysuckle, Flame Acanthus, and Hummingbird Bush, Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii is a captivating plant with a rich history and ecological significance.
Common Names
- Wright's Desert Honeysuckle
- Flame Acanthus
- Hummingbird Bush
- Wright Acanthus
- Mexican Flame
- Wright's Mexican Flame
- Flame Honeysuckle
- Wright Anisacanth
- Muicle (Spanish)
- Texas Firecracker
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Torr.) Henrickson
- Family: Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)
- Genus: Anisacanthus
- Species: Anisacanthus quadrifidus
- Variety: Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii
- Synonyms:
- Anisacanthus junceus (Torr.) Hemsl.
- Anisacanthus wrightii (Torr.) Gray
- Drejera juncea Torr.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to South-Central and West Texas, as well as Northern Mexico (Chihuahuan Desert).
- Commonly available as an ornamental plant in garden centers in the Southwest.
Ecological Role
- Provides nectar for hummingbirds.
- Rabbits are attracted to new shoots.
Morphological Characteristics
- Deciduous shrub, reaching 4-5 feet in height and width.
- Perennial plant.
- Lance-shaped mid-green leaves.
- Orange flowers, approximately 2 inches long.
Quirky Facts
- The plant is known as "Muicle" in Spanish.
- Rabbits are particularly fond of the new shoots.
Further Information
- Discover Life's page provides information on biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution.
- British Database of World Flora contains taxonomic information.
- USDA resources are available.