Russelia equisetiformis, commonly known as firecracker plant or coral fountain, is a fast-growing, evergreen subshrub in the Plantaginaceae family. It is characterized by long, slender, rush-like stems that arch outward and downward, forming a cascading habit. The stems are mostly leafless or bear small, scale-like leaves, giving the plant a fine-textured appearance. The bright red, tubular flowers are borne in dense clusters and are adapted for pollination by hummingbirds. These flowers are bilaterally symmetrical, with a narrow corolla tube that flares slightly at the mouth, forming five shallow lobes. The plant blooms almost continuously in warm climates and is tolerant of drought and high sun exposure, making it a common ornamental in xeriscaping and subtropical gardens.
