Crested firespike

[MOlivera]

Has anyone ever seen this on a firespike? I’ve had it for about 8 years and it’s never put out a crested flower. If I propagate this stem will all the  future flowers be crested? Thanks for your input

[Jerry@TreeZoo]

I had one at my old house that did that all the time.

[Silas_Sancona]

Have also seen this in the purple -flowering variety. Kind of neat but not sure if the crested trait would carry over if you removed / re-rooted the stem. Wouldn't hurt to try though.  Have also encountered occasional crested flowering stems in Ruellia brittoniana, Russelia equisetiformis, and Anisacanthus quadrifidus  as well.

Our near-native Justica californica, aka Chuparosa, and what locals know as Orange / Mexican Honeysuckle, Justica spicigera seem to be more susceptible to cresting, or has been some experiences i have had w/ both species.

[MOlivera]

Thanks for the great info 

[annafl]

Ours started doing that a couple of years ago after being in the ground for several years.  Not all the spikes do it, but as they get older, some form this crest-like structure.  Most of the spikes stay as is, though.  I prefer the look without, but everyone's different, obviously.