Chilean mitre flower Mitraria coccinea
ABOUT
Mitraria coccinea, commonly known as the Chilean mitre flower, is a striking evergreen plant renowned for its ornate and vibrant blooms. The Chilean mitre flower's most distinguishing feature is its tubular scarlet flowers, which resemble a bishop's mitre. These glossy red blossoms are the focal point of the plant and can add a vivid splash of color to any setting. The foliage of the Chilean mitre flower is made up of small, glossy, and dark green leaves that provide a lush backdrop to the flowers. The overall shape of the plant is bushy and sprawling, giving it a dense and robust appearance. It is often described as having a somewhat trailing habit, making it ideal for hanging baskets or as ground cover. The leaves have a leathery texture and may have a slightly serrated edge, lending an additional textural interest to the plant's appearance. The Chilean mitre flower typically blooms in late spring to early summer, providing a long-lasting display of its fiery flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Gesneriaceae
Synonyms
Chilean Mitre Flower, Mitre Flower
Common names
Eccremocarpus coccineus, Mitraria coccinea var. coccinea, Roella coccinea.
ToxicityTo humans
There is no widely recognized or reported toxicity of the plant known as the Chilean mitre flower to humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur. If a person ingests a part of the Chilean mitre flower and experiences adverse effects, they should seek medical advice. Generally, it is advisable to avoid eating plants that are not commonly recognized as edible.
To pets
The Chilean mitre flower is not commonly listed as poisonous to pets. However, pet owners should be cautious and prevent pets from eating plants. If a pet ingests the Chilean mitre flower and shows any signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is essential to consult a veterinarian. Pets can react differently to plants than humans, and what is non-toxic to humans may still affect pets negatively.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
Chile
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Mitraria coccinea, also known as Chilean mitre flower, features attractive, bright orange-red tubular flowers that can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife attractant: The vibrant flowers of the Chilean mitre flower attract hummingbirds and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
- Shade tolerance: This plant is capable of thriving in partially shaded environments, offering flexibility in garden design and plant placement.
- Ground cover: It can be used as a ground cover plant, helping to suppress weeds and stabilize the soil with its evergreen foliage.
- Low maintenance: Chilean mitre flower requires minimal upkeep once established, making it suitable for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plant options.
- Versatility: It can be grown in pots or hanging baskets, providing options for those with limited garden space or who wish to add greenery to patios or balconies.
- Cold hardiness: Mitraria coccinea is relatively cold-resistant, capable of withstanding light frosts, which means it can be grown in a variety of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Chilean mitre flower can be used as a natural food coloring due to its bright red-orange berries, providing a vibrant hue to various dishes.
- In garden design, Mitraria coccinea serves as a practical ground cover for shady areas due to its dense foliage and low-growing habit.
- The plant is utilized in the production of natural dyes for textiles, taking advantage of its vividly colored flowers and berries.
- The trailing nature of the Chilean mitre flower makes it an ideal plant for hanging baskets, adding a cascade of green and red to balconies and patios.
- Its ability to attract hummingbirds and other pollinators can be harnessed to create a wildlife-friendly garden space.
- Mitraria coccinea can be used in themed gardens, such as 'fire' or 'volcano' gardens, due to its fiery-colored blooms.
- Used in educational settings, such as botanical gardens, to showcase plant species native to the temperate rainforests of Chile.
- The plant's resilient nature is employed in erosion control projects, particularly in areas simulating its native moist and shaded conditions.
- Creative arts and crafts projects may use the dried flowers and berries of the Chilean mitre flower for decorations and wreaths.
- During festive seasons, such as Christmas, the plant's striking appearance is employed in creating natural holiday ornaments and displays.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mitraria coccinea, commonly known as the Chilean mitre flower, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Chilean mitre flower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Endurance and Survival: Mitraria coccinea, commonly known as the Chilean Mitre Flower, thrives in difficult conditions, symbolizing the ability to persevere and survive challenging environments.
- Vibrancy and Passion: The bright red-orange flowers of the Chilean Mitre Flower represent vibrancy and a passionate spirit, reflecting its bold and striking appearance.
- Rarity and Uniqueness: As the Chilean Mitre Flower is not a common plant, it symbolizes rarity and uniqueness, celebrating what is special and uncommon in the world.
WaterFor the Chilean mitre flower, ensure consistently moist soil, especially during warmer months, watering thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This might translate to watering about once every week, but always check soil moisture first as conditions vary widely. Typically, you should aim to provide approximately 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session, adjusting for rainfall and temperature extremes that might necessitate more or less frequent watering.
LightThe Chilean mitre flower thrives in partial shade, where it receives bright but indirect light. It should be placed in a location that avoids the harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves. Morning light or dappled sunlight under a canopy of trees is ideal for this plant.
TemperatureThe Chilean mitre flower can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers a cooler climate, ideally between 50°F and 70°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 30°F but should be protected from frost. During hot spells, it's important to maintain adequate moisture levels to keep the plant cool.
PruningPrune the Chilean mitre flower to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth, mainly in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Occasional pruning is also necessary to remove any dead or damaged stems. For this plant, pruning once a year is generally sufficient.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Chilean Mitre Flower prefers a well-draining, peat-based potting mix with sharp sand or perlite mixed in. The ideal soil pH for Mitraria coccinea is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Regular potting soil amended with ericaceous compost can work well too.
RepottingThe Chilean Mitre Flower should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the plant has outgrown its current container. Spring is the best time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the new pot before the growing season.
Humidity & MistingThe Chilean Mitre Flower thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 60-80%. Consistent humidity is important for this plant's well-being but avoid overly wet conditions which can encourage fungal issues.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in indirect light, maintain high humidity, and use well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in dappled shade, shelter from strong winds; mulch for soil moisture.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleChilean Mitre Flower (Mitraria coccinea) begins its life as a seed, which upon favorable conditions, germinates and develops a root system and a shoot that grows towards the light. The seedling stage follows, during which it establishes true leaves and begins photosynthesis. As it matures into a juvenile, the plant increases in size and starts forming characteristic glossy, evergreen leaves and woody stems. Once the Chilean Mitre Flower reaches maturity, it produces striking, tube-shaped red or orange flowers, typically during the spring and summer months, which are pollinated by birds and insects. Following successful pollination, the flowers develop into small berry-like fruits containing seeds. These seeds are then dispersed, often by birds that eat the fruits, and upon landing in a suitable environment, the cycle begins anew with seed germination.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Mitraria coccinea, commonly known as the Chilean mitre flower, is by semi-hardwood cuttings. This involves taking a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) from a healthy, mature plant during late summer when the current season's growth has started to harden but is not yet fully woody. The bottom leaves of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, kept moist, and covered with a plastic bag or placed in a propagator to maintain high humidity. Roots typically develop within several weeks, after which the new plants can gradually acclimate to less humid conditions before being transplanted outdoors.
