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Ruellia longepetiolata (Oerst.) Hemsl.
| Family Name: | Acanthaceae |
| Common Name: | Ruellia, Water Bluebell, Creeping Ruellia |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Mode of Nutrition | Heterotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial, Aquatic |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Plant with a low growing and spreading form, able to reach up to 25 - 35 cm tall and 30 - 60 cm wide. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Ovate leaves, green to bluish-green in colour, measuring about 5 - 6 cm long and 2 - 3 cm wide, petiole measuring about 2 cm long. |
| Flowers | 5-petal flowers and bluish violet in colour. |
| Fruit | Fruit is a capsule, measuring about 12 - 15 mm long, glabrous and contains about 16 - 20 seeds, each seed measuring about 2 mm wide. |
| Etymology | Genus Ruellia is named after John de la Ruelle of Soissons, who is the author of De natura plantarum (1536). Species squarrosa refers to the rough texture of the plant. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Groundcover |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green - Bluish Green |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Foliar Base | Attenuate |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Blue, Purple |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Solitary |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
|---|---|
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Several (11-20) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32225 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 6633 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
