Scarlet flame bean
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The vivid red blooms serve a vital purpose.
Scarlet flame bean is called so because of its distinctive bright red flowers and its bean-like fruits. The flowers are clustered together in large heads, hanging at the ends of the branches.
In rainforest ecosystems, bright red colors are often associated with bird-pollination, and the scarlet flame bean is no exception. The flowers produce large quantities of nectar and are pollinated by hummingbirds.
The leaves develop in a special way
Try to see how its new leaves are formed. The leaves are produced in bunches. At the beginning of leaf formation, the leaves are quite pale and droopy. After a few days, they become firmer, dark green and erect.
This is probably an adaption against insect predation because it is the new leaves that are most attractive to insects. When they hang limp and are not green, they seem less attractive.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: Tropical house
- Danish name: Højrød flammebønne
- Latin name: Brownea grandiceps
- Family: Pea family / Fabaceae
- Natural habitat: Tropical America
Learn more about other plants here.