Colquhounia coccinea

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows to 3 m high. The stems are square in cross section. The leaves are opposite. They are 3.5-16.5 cm long by 2.5-7.5 cm wide. They are oval and taper to the tip. There are teeth along the edge. They have a few hairs. The base is rounded or heart shaped. The flowers are red or orange and in spikes in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The fruit is a nutlet. It is oblong. The tip is expanded into a wing.

There are 3-6 Colquhounia species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows in Nepal between 1000-2600 m altitude. It grows in open rocky places. It needs well-drained soil in full sun. In China it grows in stony and grassy hillsides between 1400-3000 m altitude. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 8-9. Melbourne Botanical gardens. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Britain, China, Europe, Himalayas (country/location of origin), India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Tibet

How it is used for food

Nectar from the corolla tubes of the flowers is sucked by children.

Edible parts

Nectar

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Dhuchu, Shen hong huo ba hua

Synonyms

Colquhounia mollis Schlech.;