Violet Wild Petunia (Ruellia nudiflora)
March 12, 2008 — Vasant M. SalianViolet Wild Petunia (Ruellia nudiflora) is a lovely perennial, wild flower native to the Texas. It is almost evergreen, and will bloom in sun or light shade. It can be found in sandy and clayey soils of the South Texas Plains and Edwards Plateau. It stands approximately 1 to 2 feet in height and is an upright to semi-sprawling plant. The leaves are two to five inches in length and have a toothed edge. The flower has five lobes and can be lavender to purple in colour.
Violet Ruellia grows in moist, shaded riparian areas and has a long blooming season from April to October. The leaves are consumed by white-tailed deer and the seeds are eaten by bobwhite quail.
Taxonomy:
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Lamiales
Family : Acanthaceae
Genus : Ruellia
Species : Ruellia nudiflora
Pronunciation/Meaning:
- Acanthaceae (ah-kanth-AY-see-ay) - The Acanthus family (from the Greek ákantha, meaning thorn, spine, or spike).
- Ruellia (roo-EL-ee-uh) - Named for Jean Ruel, 16th century French botanist.
- nudiflora (noo-dee-FLOR-uh) - Naked flower, usually referring to flowering prior to leaf emergence.
Common Names:
- Violet Wild Petunia, Wild Petunia, Violet Ruellia, Longneck Ruellia
Links:
Image Courtesy of Patrick Alexander.
