shrimp plant
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- Also called:
- Mexican shrimp plant or shrimp bush
- Related Topics:
- Justicia
shrimp plant, (Justicia brandegeeana), popular border and greenhouse ornamental of the familyAcanthaceae, native to warm regions of the Americas and to theWest Indies. Grown for its unusualflowerclusters, theshrimpplant will bloom continuously in frost-free areas and is highly attractive tohummingbirds.
Shrimp plants have several spindly stems and can reach about 45 cm to 1 metre (18 to 39 inches) in height, though the plants are more attractive if regularly pruned. The plants bear drooping clusters of white tubular two-lippedflowers enclosed or accompanied by numerous reddish brown leaflikebracts that suggest the shape and colour ofshrimps. The ovateleaves are arranged in opposite pairs and areevergreen in mild climates.
The golden shrimp plant, or lollipop plant (Pachystachys lutea), is similar in appearance but features yellow bracts instead of reddish. It is also in the family Acanthaceae.
