Mexican Shrimp Plant

Vertical photo of Justicia brandegeeana, the Mexican shrimp plant, is an evergreen shrub in the genus Justicia of the acanthus family Acanthaceae, native to Mexico, and also naturalized in Florida. But I took this photo in Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro. The shrimp plant thrives in the shade in tropical areas. It does best in well-drained sandy or loamy soil, but is generally low maintenance and drought-tolerant. Fertilization is not required. The flowers are white, extending from red bracts which look somewhat like shrimps, hence the common name "shrimp flower".