Hamelia patens

Hamelia patens (Firebush, hummingbird bush, scarlet bush or "redhead") is a large perennial shrub or small tree from subtropical and tropical America. The Firebush has a native range that runs from Texas in southern United States to as far south as Argentina.

It has orangish-red tubular flowers, which recruit hummingbirds and butterflies for pollination. Their corolla varies much in length, making it attractive to a wide range of pollinators. The fruit is a small dark red berry.

Despite its somewhat scraggy appearance, this is a valuable garden tree in warmer climates and even in temperate ones, as long as the soil remains above freezing. Hummingbirds attracted by its flowers and other birds feeding on the fruit will also forage on small insects found in the vicinity, helping to keep down pests. The fruit have an refreshing, acidic taste and besides being much liked by some birds, they are also edible for humans; in Mexico, they are made into a fermented drink.

Also, the plants are used in folk medicine against a range of ailments. A number of active compounds have been found in firebush, but no scientific study of its medical usefulness has been conducted yet.