Under The Jakfruit Tree

This week’s featured plant is Hamelia cuprea (Bahama Firebush). Despite its common name of Bahama Firebush, this shrub is native to Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Cayman Islands, but NOT the Bahamas. A close relative to Hamelia patans, our native Firebush, its leaves are larger and glossier, and the flowers are bell shaped and much more showy. In the fall and winter, the leaves turn a bronze color. The overall appearance of this shrub is conical and denser due to its larger leaves. Like our native Firebush, this one is also an excellent nectar source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Richard Lyons Nursery has the Bahama Firebush in stock as well as the S. Florida native.