Pavonia strictiflora (Goethea)

Pavonia strictiflora is a tropical flowering shrub in the Malvaceae family, native to Brazil. It develops slender woody stems with simple green leaves and is especially notable for its unusual flowers, which are produced along the older stems rather than being confined to the shoot tips. The narrow, elongated flowers remain relatively closed, with bright red to reddish-orange petals surrounded by a prominent green calyx and epicalyx. A projecting staminal column extends beyond the petals, giving each flower the distinctive appearance typical of many members of the hibiscus family. Repeated flowering along the branches creates a colorful display and makes the species an unusual ornamental for tropical plant collections.

Pavonia strictiflora grows best in warm conditions with bright light to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil. Regular moisture encourages active growth and flowering, but prolonged waterlogging should be avoided. Light pruning can help maintain a compact, branching plant and encourage fresh growth. It can be grown as a landscape shrub in humid tropical and warm subtropical climates or maintained as a container specimen elsewhere. Frost sensitive, it is best suited outdoors to USDA Zones 10-11 and requires protection during cold weather.