Family: Acanthaceae

Originating from tropical America, this genus comprises about 20 species of shrubs, with clus­ters of long, slender, tubed flowers in red, yellow or white.

Species

Some species may be difficult to obtain.

O. barlerioides, to 1 m (3 ft) high, has attrac­tive, slender leaves and dense clusters of tubular flowers.

O. callistachyum is a more shrubby species, to 5 m (16 ft) high, with smooth, shiny leaves and clusters of red flowers.

O. schom­burgkianum, also shrubby, grows to only 2 m (6 ft), with long leaves and clusters of red flowers.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, grow in a warm conservatory or greenhouse in pots of soil-based potting compost. Prune back after flowering to restrict size if necessary. Outdoors odontonemas need a rich, moist, well-drained soil and sunny position.

Climate

Warmest parts of zone 10 and above.