Family: Acanthaceae

Yellow shrimp plant is an ornamental shrub native to Peru. Imported to Hawaii in 1970, it has been cultivated since. The scientific name describes the inflorescence look: pachy translates to thick, stachey translates to an ‘ear of corn,’ and the species name lutea is yellow. In bloom, a beautiful contrast, the yellow inflorescence rises up like yellow torches in a sea of green foliage.

The inflorescence are four-sided and consists of overlapping yellow bracts, similar to shrimp. Appearing from in between the showy bracts are tubular white flowers. Dark green leaves are arranged opposite along the stem. The shrub will not reach heights of more than 18 inches. To induce flowering and leggy growth, keep it pruned.

A shade-tolerant plant, it can be planted under trees to fill in empty spaces. Yellow shrimp plant makes a beautiful border or hedge. Bees and butterflies are attracted to the bright yellow color. Plants reproduce by seed or by vegetative cuttings of soft or hard terminal growth.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Hedge
• Ornamental
• Shade

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers