Common Name: Pagoda flower. Tamil Name: Krishna Kireedam
Pagoda flower is a shrub native to south-east Asia, it grows to a height of about 1.5 meters. The plant is highly valued for its ornamental orange colored pyramid shaped inflorescence. The simple leaves are arranged in an alternate manner; the leaves are shallowly lobed and are ovate-orbicualr in shape; the tips of the lobes are acute and the leaf base cordate. The leaf stalk and leaf measure around 10 cm and 20 cm respectively. The inflorescence is mostly in the form of a terminal panicle, flowers are orange-red in color. The calyx has five teeth elements and are orange in color and measure around 5-6 mm. The flower has five petals which are fused to form a tubular flower. The flower tube measurers around 2 cm; the flower measurers around 1.6 cm across. The flower has four stamens which protrude out of the flower tube. The flower has a single style. Pagoda flower planted in gardens and households for its ornamental value. The plant is a nectar source for many butterflies.
