Acanthaceae Family Spotlight: Four More Stunning Tropicals for Your Garden

The Acanthaceae family boasts over 2,500 species. Following our first introduction, here are four more remarkable members worth growing.

1. Odontonema cuspidatum (Firespike / Cardinal's Crest)

Central American shrub to 5–6 ft; glossy oblong leaves, bright red tubular flowers in erect spikes. Hummingbird and butterfly magnet. Full sun; easily sheared as a hedge. Synonym: Justicia coccinea.

2. Megaskepasma erythrochlamys (Brazilian Red Cloak)

Single-species genus from Venezuela; 8–12 ft tall with large pale-green leaves. Showy white-to-pink tubular flowers surrounded by long-lasting magenta bracts. Self-seeds readily—monitor for invasiveness.

3. Thunbergia mysorensis (Mysore Clock Vine)

Woody vine from India/Africa to 20 ft; pendulous racemes of unique hooded flowers (yellow inside, mahogany outside) with matching bracts. Nectar-rich, bird-attracting. Full sun to part shade; surprisingly cold-tolerant (regrows from roots).

4. Eranthemum pulchellum (Blue Eranthemum)

Indian shrub to 3–4 ft; deep blue flowers with green-white veined bracts. Branched habit; bright light, humus-rich soil. Prune hard after flowering; propagate by cuttings or seed. Often mislabeled "blue sage."

All four add exotic color, texture, and wildlife value to frost-free or protected gardens.