| 
   
| Identification |  
| 
Genus 
Odontonema
Species 
strictum
Variety 
Cultivar 
Common names 
fire spike
Family 
ACANTHACEAE
Specimen number 
S10214
Data source 
HumGrdn p70
 |   
  
| Life cycle |  
| 
Life form 
Terrestrial
Life cycle 
Woody perennial
Life span 
5 - 20 years
Annual cycle 
Evergreen
Stature 
Shrub
Growth form 
Various
Growth habit 
Not applicable
Overall height 
 
Overall spread 
 
 |   
  
| Climate |  
| 
Sunshine 
Full sun to partial shade
Water 
Various
Optimal soil texture 
Various
Acceptable soil pH 
Various
USDA hardiness 
USDA zones 08a-09b
AHS heat zones 
Not classified
Sunset climate zones 
Not classified
 |   
  
| Garden |  
| 
Suitable for gardens 
no
Nursery 
Unknown
Compost 
no
Size at acquisition 
Unknown
Garden location 
Unknown
Garden notes 
Odontonema strictum has a good supply of nectar that hummingbirds feed on.    Fire spike can survive cold winter nights that go as low as 10� Fahrenheit.  Full sun to partial shade is needed for this plant to do its best.      
 |   
  
| Special qualities |  
| 
Tolerates drought 
no
Tolerates high humidity 
no
Tolerates seaside conditions 
no
Insect resistant 
no
Disease resistant 
no
Deer resistant 
no
Best uses 
 
Symbiosis 
Attracts butterflies 
no
Attracts hummingbirds 
yes
Autumn foliage 
no
Colorful berries 
no
Desirable qualities 
 
Other interest 
 
Other interest color 
Other interest period 
 
 |   
  
| Adverse factors |  
| 
Common pests 
Poisonous parts 
Poisonous indications 
Internal poison 
no
Dermatologic poison 
no
Livestock poison 
no
Mechanical injury 
no
Hay fever pollen 
 
Hay fever season 
 
Adverse qualities 
 
 |   
  
| Herbal medicine |  
| 
Medicinal properties 
Medicinal parts 
Has medicinal uses 
no
Do not self-administer 
no
Do no use if pregnant 
no
Legally restricted 
no
Toxicity precautions 
Medicinal notes 
 |   
  
| Traditional uses |  
| 
Parts used 
Traditional uses 
Contemporary uses 
Fragrance 
Fragrance parts 
Fragrance intensity 
 
Fragrance category 
 
Dye parts 
Dye color 
 |   
  
| Cultivation |  
| 
Propagule 
Various
Pollination method 
 
Planting style 
 
Crop spacing 
 
Row spacing 
 
Cold frame 
Planting period 
 
Harvesting period 
 
Frost tolerance 
 
Heat requirement 
 
Fertilizer 
Typical
Time to harvest 
 |   
  
| Nutrition |  
| 
Is edible 
no
Culinary uses 
Nutritional value 
Edible parts 
Description of edible parts
Flavor / texture 
 |   
  
| Horticulture |  
| 
Horticulture notes 
Odontonema strictum may have originated from The Tropics.  
 |   
  
| Herbarium |  
| 
Tag needs printing 
no
Collection notes 
Odontonema strictum is a woody perennial.  Fire spike is evergreen.    Flowers:   This plant has flowers borne on terminal spikes.  November is the usual month for flowering.  The blossoms are usually either crimson or red.      
 |   
Page 3262 of 4998 
     |