beloperone Acanthaceae Justicia
californica (Benth.) D. Gibson
symbol: JUCA8
Leaf: Nearly leafless for most of the year; when leaves are present they are opposite, ovate or deltoid to orbicular, to 3/4 inch long, somewhat thickened, margins entire; shiny or covered in fine pubescence above and below.
Flower: Borne on axillary or terminal spikes; individual flowers perfect, tubular and very showy, scarlet red to orange or yellow, to 2 inches long; with adequate moisture flowers appear for most of the year, but most heavily in spring.
Fruit: A pubescent capsule to 3/4 inch round.
Twig: Gray-green and covered in fine pubescent.
Bark: Gray-green.
Form: A dense shrub to 6 feet tall and wide.