Definition

Noun 1. A species of flowering shrub: Hamelia patens is the scientific name for a specific, handsome shrub known for its clusters of brightly colored tubular flowers, which range from orange to scarlet or crimson. It is native to a region spanning from Florida and the West Indies to Mexico and Brazil.

Usage Notes

• This term is a proper noun (a scientific name). It is always written in italics (or underlined when handwriting). The first part () is the genus name and is capitalized; the second part () is the specific epithet and is written in lowercase.
• It is used in formal, scientific, horticultural, and botanical contexts to precisely identify this plant species. In everyday gardening or landscaping, it is often referred to by its common name, scarlet bush or firebush.

Examples

• Scientific/Botanical Context:
  • The garden's focal point was a mature Hamelia patens in full bloom.
  • This study compares the nectar production of Hamelia patens to other hummingbird-pollinated plants.
• Horticultural/Landscaping Context:
  • For a tropical look, consider planting Hamelia patens as a hedge or specimen plant.
  • The label on the pot read "Hamelia patens* - Firebush".*

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Classification: In academic texts, the name is often followed by the abbreviation of the botanist who first formally described it (the authority). For example: Jacq. (where "Jacq." stands for Nikolaus Joseph von Jacquin).

Variants and Related Words

• Common Names: These are not scientific variants but the everyday names for the same plant.
  • Scarlet bush (n): A common name referring to the bright red flowers.
  • Firebush (n): A common name highlighting the fiery color of its blooms.
  • Hummingbird bush (n): A common name noting its attractiveness to hummingbirds.

Synonyms

• Firebush (n): The most widely used common synonym in gardening.
• Scarlet bush (n): Another common synonym emphasizing flower color.

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Genus Hamelia (n): The broader taxonomic group to which belongs. Other species in this genus exist.
• Rubiaceae (n): The botanical family (the coffee or madder family) that includes the genus .

Noun

1. handsome shrub with showy orange to scarlet or crimson flowers; Florida and West Indies to Mexico and Brazil