Status:
valid
Authors:
(Nees) Wassh. & J.R.I.Wood
Source:
tro
Year:
2003
Citation Micro:
Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 116: 269 (2003)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001249865
Common Names
- Ruellia nitida
- Nitida
- Nitida Plant
Description
Ruellia nitida (also called Shiny Wild Petunia, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae. It is a herbaceous perennial, native to the Caribbean, and is found in moist, shady places, such as in forests.
Uses & Benefits
Ruellia nitida is used in traditional medicine for treating fever, inflammation, and other ailments. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a hedge plant.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ruellia nitida has small white flowers with yellow centres. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings have oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ruellia nitida can be propagated by seed or division. When propagating by seed, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. When propagating by division, carefully separate the plant into several sections and replant each section in a separate pot. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, sunny location.
Where to Find Ruellia nitida
Ruellia nitida is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It can be found in Mexico, Central America, and South America. It is also found in the Caribbean, including Cuba, Jamaica, and Hispaniola.
Ruellia nitida FAQ
What is the scientific name of Ruellia nitida?
Ruellia nitida
What is the common name of Ruellia nitida?
Shiny ruellia
What is the natural habitat of Ruellia nitida?
It is native to the southeastern United States.
Species in the Ruellia genus
Ruellia rufipila,
Ruellia saeri,
Ruellia rusbyi,
Ruellia rubiginosa,
Ruellia sceptrum-marianum,
Ruellia schnellii,
Ruellia salmeronensis,
Ruellia sarukhaniana,
Ruellia saulensis,
Ruellia pulverulenta,
Ruellia pumila,
Ruellia primuloides,
Ruellia pringlei,
Ruellia prostrata,
Ruellia pulcherrima,
Ruellia pseudopatula,
Ruellia pterocaulon,
Ruellia puberula,
Ruellia reitzii,
Ruellia steyermarkii,
Ruellia sprucei,
Ruellia squarrosa,
Ruellia tetrastichantha,
Ruellia subsessilis,
Ruellia terminalis,
Ruellia suffruticosa,
Ruellia siamensis,
Ruellia silvaecola,
Ruellia sororia,
Ruellia simplex,
Ruellia shaferiana,
Ruellia praetermissa,
Ruellia luzoniensis,
Ruellia magniflora,
Ruellia malabarica,
Ruellia primulacea,
Ruellia malaca,
Ruellia macarenensis,
Ruellia macrophylla,
Ruellia ischnopoda,
Ruellia kerrii,
Ruellia intermedia,
Ruellia jussieuoides,
Ruellia lithophila,
Ruellia jaliscana,
Ruellia inundata,
Ruellia insignis,
Ruellia kleinii,
Ruellia lepidota,
Ruellia liesneri,
Species in the Acanthaceae family
Acanthopale macrocarpa,
Acanthopale confertiflora,
Acanthopale decempedalis,
Acanthopale laxiflora,
Acanthopale madagascariensis,
Acanthopale pubescens,
Acanthopale aethiogermanica,
Acanthopale breviceps,
Acanthopale cuneifolia,
Acanthopale ramiflora,
Acanthopale perrieri,
Acanthopale humblotii,
Acanthopsis carduifolia,
Acanthopsis disperma,
Acanthopsis glauca,
Acanthopsis hoffmannseggiana,
Acanthopsis horrida,
Acanthopsis scullyi,
Acanthopsis spathularis,
Acanthopsis disperma,
Acanthopsis tuba,
Acanthopsis ludoviciana,
Acanthopsis adamanticola,
Acanthopsis dispermoides,
Acanthopsis erosa,
Acanthopsis dregeana,
Acanthopsis tetragona,
Acanthopsis glandulopalmata,
Acanthopsis insueta,
Acanthopsis nitida,
Acanthopsis pagodiformis,
Acanthopsis glabra,
Acanthopsis villosa,
Acanthus austromontanus,
Acanthus greuterianus,
Acanthus kulalensis,
Acanthus arboreus,
Acanthus carduaceus,
Acanthus caroli-alexandri,
Acanthus caudatus,
Acanthus dioscoridis,
Acanthus ebracteatus,
Acanthus eminens,
Acanthus flexicaulis,
Acanthus gaed,
Acanthus guineensis,
Acanthus hirsutus,
Acanthus hungaricus,
Acanthus ilicifolius,
Acanthus latisepalus,