Ruellia simplex

Ruellia simplex
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Acanthaceae
Genus: Ruellia
Species: R. simplex
Binomial name
Ruellia simplex
Synonyms

see text

Ruellia simplex (Britton's wild petunia, Mexican petunia, Mexican bluebell) is a species of flowering plant in the acanthus family, Acanthaceae. It is a native of Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. It has become a widespread invasive plant in Florida, where it was likely introduced as an ornamental before 1933.[1][2]

Description

Ruellia simplex is an evergreen perennial growing 3 ft (0.91 m) tall, forming colonies of stalks with lance-shaped leaves that are 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) and .5 to .75 in (1.3 to 1.9 cm) wide. Trumpet shaped flowers are metallic blue to purple, with five petals, and 3 in (7.6 cm) wide. There is a dwarf variety that is only 1 ft (0.30 m) tall.[1]

Taxonomy and synonyms

"Ruellia simplex C.Wright" is the oldest and accepted name for this species, which has been variously called Ruellia angustifolia (Nees) Lindau, Ruellia brittoniana Leonard, and Cryphiacanthus angustifolius Nees, among several synonyms.[3] The genus is named after French botanist Jean Ruel, while the specific name refers to the simple, not compound leaves.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 "Ruellia simplex". FLIP (Florida Invasive Plants). University of South Florida. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  2. ↑ "Ruellia simplex". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 14 January 2018.
  3. ↑ "Ruellia simplex C.Wright". The Kew Plant List. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  4. ↑ "Ruellia simplex". Landscape Plants for South Florida. Palm Beach State College. Retrieved 5 September 2012.


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