Mussaenda Erythrophylla
Mussaenda erythrophylla Schumach. & Thonn.
Mussaenda erythrophylla, known as Ashanti Blood or Red Flag Bush, is a visually arresting West African shrub celebrated for its masses of brilliantly colored deep crimson to scarlet enlarged sepals surrounding small yellow star-shaped flowers. A plant of striking beauty, deep cultural memory, and potent tropical vigor, it symbolizes passion, sacrifice, the courage of heritage, and vibrant life.
Rubiaceae (Coffee family)
Warmest months of the year; spring through autumn in cultivation; late winter to early spring in some tropical climates; nearly continuous in ideal conditions
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: red silk cotton flowers and erythrina crista-gallis also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
The name Ashanti Blood carries within it one of the most poignant and complex cultural stories of any garden plant. In French it is called Sang des Ashanti (Blood of the Ashanti), a name given in memory of the Ashanti people of present-day Ghana, one of the most powerful kingdoms in West African history, whose people were enslaved and forcibly transported across the Atlantic. The brilliant crimson of the enlarged sepals, as vivid and striking as fresh blood, gave this West African plant its haunting commemoration of one of the great human tragedies of the Atlantic world. The plant's scientific name, erythrophylla, is equally direct: from the Greek erythros (red) and phyllon (leaf). In addition to this historical weight, the plant is also sometimes called Virgin Tree and Prophet's Tears, names that carry their own spiritual associations of purity and lamentation. As an ornamental it represents the irrepressible vitality of African flora, its brilliant color impossible to ignore, a living testament to the beauty that endures even through the darkest history.Shop Our Floral Collection
Transform your space with our curated selection of designer floral throw pillows
Visit Full StoreBotanical Information
Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; flowers most prolifically in full sun; tolerates filtered light with slightly reduced flower production
Water
Regular moisture; prefers a humid environment; water consistently during the growing season; reduce in winter
Soil
Well-drained, Moist, Fertile, Average garden soil
Expert Growing Tips
Grow in full sun for best color and flowering; tolerates partial shade
Minimum temperature 10 to 13 degrees C (50-55 degrees F); protect from any frost
In temperate climates, grow as a container plant and overwinter in a frost-free heated greenhouse
Prune hard after the main flush of flowering to maintain a compact, bushy shape and encourage fresh flowering shoots
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings in summer; rooting is relatively easy with bottom heat
Leaf extract is used as a food dye; the red sepals are used as a fabric dye in parts of its native range
Note that outside its native Africa, Mussaenda erythrophylla has been recorded as an environmental concern in some tropical regions where it can form dense, vigorous thickets that outcompete native vegetation
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Spectacular specimen shrub or rambling climber for tropical and subtropical gardens
- Container and patio plant for warm conservatories in temperate zones
- Annual flower in frost-prone areas where it can be grown for a single dazzling season
- Mixed tropical border planting for bold color impact
- Host plant for caterpillars of the Commander butterfly (Limenitis procris)
- Cut flower material; the long-lasting showy sepals give extended vase life
Traditional Uses
- Leaf extract is used as a natural food dye in parts of its native range
- Red sepals used as a fabric and textile dye
- Various traditional medicinal uses documented in West African ethnobotany
- Related Mussaenda species documented for use in treating fevers associated with malaria, and applied in poultices for fractures and burns in Southeast Asian traditional medicine
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mussaenda Erythrophylla
Why is Mussaenda erythrophylla called Ashanti Blood?
The name Ashanti Blood (Sang des Ashanti in French) is given in memory of the Ashanti people of present-day Ghana, one of the most powerful kingdoms in West Africa, whose people were among those enslaved and transported across the Atlantic. The plant's vivid crimson enlarged sepals, as striking as fresh blood, gave this West African plant its haunting commemorative name.
What are the colorful parts of Mussaenda erythrophylla, petals or sepals?
The brilliant crimson display of Mussaenda erythrophylla comes entirely from dramatically enlarged ornamental sepals, not from the petals. The actual true flowers are small, five-petaled, yellow star-shaped blooms sitting within the cluster of showy red sepals. This same visual strategy is used by poinsettias and bougainvillea, where bracts rather than petals provide the color display.
Is Mussaenda erythrophylla invasive?
Outside its native West and Central Africa, Mussaenda erythrophylla is considered a species of environmental concern in some tropical regions, including parts of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, where it can form dense thickets up to 10 meters tall that compete with and displace native vegetation. Always check local regulations before planting in non-native tropical environments.
How do I grow Mussaenda erythrophylla?
Mussaenda erythrophylla thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil with consistent moisture. It requires a minimum temperature of around 10 to 13 degrees C (50-55 degrees F) and cannot tolerate frost. In temperate climates it can be grown as a container plant overwintered in a heated greenhouse, or as a spectacular annual bedding plant. Prune hard after the main flowering flush to encourage fresh, floriferous new growth.
What does Mussaenda erythrophylla symbolize?
Mussaenda erythrophylla symbolizes passion, courage, sacrifice, and the memory of cultural heritage. Its vivid crimson color, carried in the name Ashanti Blood, connects it to the history and pride of the Ashanti people of West Africa. As a garden plant it represents the irrepressible vitality and beauty of African flora, and the enduring strength of life.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
Share This Flower
Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Red Silk Cotton Flower
Bombax ceiba
Red Silk Cotton is a towering tropical tree celebrated for its blazing scarlet flowers that burst open on bare branches in late winter and early spring, long before any leaves appear — creating one of the most spectacular floral displays in the tropical world.
Erythrina Crista-Galli
Erythrina crista-galli
Erythrina crista-galli is a spectacular flowering tree or large shrub from South America, celebrated for its showstopping clusters of waxy, deep scarlet-red, pea-like flowers borne on thorny stems in summer. It is the national flower of both Argentina and Uruguay, symbolizing courage, strength, and national pride.
Kniphofia
Kniphofia uvaria and other spp.
Kniphofia, commonly known as Red Hot Poker, produces dramatic flame-like flower spikes in warm colors. These striking perennials symbolize passion, courage, and standing out from the crowd.