Agapetes serpens | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Asterids |
Order: | Ericales |
Family: | Ericaceae |
Genus: | Agapetes |
Species: | A. serpens
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Binomial name | |
Agapetes serpens | |
Synonyms [1] | |
Pentapterygium serpens (
Wight)
Klotzsch |
Agapetes serpens is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae, that is native to the Himalayas. Growing to 40–60 cm (16–24 in) tall, this semi-climbing shrub is cultivated as an ornamental for its shiny evergreen leaves and branches of attractive pendulous tubular red flowers, blooming over a long period. It is grown in climates from warm temperate to sub-tropical, but does not survive prolonged freezing (RHS hardiness rating H2). It requires a sheltered position in acid or neutral soil. [2]
The Latin specific epithet serpens means "snake-like". [3]
This plant has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. [2]
It was first described in 1847 as Vaccinium serpens by Robert Wight. [1] [4] In 1851 Johann Klotzch redescribed it as Pentapterygium serpens (a name which is not accepted). [1] [5] In 1939 Hermann Sleumer transferred it to the genus, Agapetes, to give the species its currently accepted name of Agapetes serpens. [1] [6]