The genus Aphelandra has about 200 species of shrubs or herbs native to tropical America. The name is from Greek apheles, solitary, and aner, a male, referring to the single-celled anthers. A very tropical looking tender perennial shrub, up to 10 feet tall (3 m), or more. The rose-red tubular flowers are borne in orange-red bracts on 8 inch long spikes - very unusual color match. The showy spikes are borne terminally, many together. Can be grown outdoors in warm climates. Fleshy leaves get cold damaged with temperatures 40-45F, but the plant recovers easily.

Similar plants:

• Aphelandra aurantiaca (Fiery Spike)
• Aphelandra goodspeedii (Aphelandra )
• Aphelandra hartwegiana (Yellow Aphelandra )
• Aphelandra scabra, Aphelandra panamensis (Aphelandra)
• Aphelandra schiedeana, Aphelandra melgariensis (Aphelandra)
• Aphelandra sp. (Shrimp Plant, Coral Aphelandra)
• Aphelandra squarrosa (Zebra Plant)
• Aphelandra tetragona, Aphelandra cristata (Red Aphelandra)