Status:
valid
Authors:
Leonard
Source:
ksu
Year:
1951
Citation Micro:
Contr. U.S. Natl. Herb. 31: 71 (1951)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000401111
Common Names
- Ruellia potamophila
- Potamophila Ruellia
- Ruellia Potamophila
Description
Ruellia potamophila (also called Mexican Petunia, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Mexico, Central and South America. It has a woody stem, lance-shaped leaves and small, trumpet-shaped flowers that are usually purple or white. It is typically found in moist, tropical habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Ruellia potamophila is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a border plant. It is also used for medicinal purposes, such as treating fever, headache, and skin diseases.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ruellia potamophila has white flowers with yellow throats and small, black seeds. The seedlings are small and have bright green, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ruellia potamophila is a perennial shrub that can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought. It should be watered regularly and fertilized every few months. Pruning is recommended to encourage bushier growth.
Where to Find Ruellia potamophila
Ruellia potamophila can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from Mexico to Argentina.
Ruellia potamophila FAQ
What is the scientific name of Ruellia potamophila?
Ruellia potamophila
What is the common name of Ruellia potamophila?
Riverbank Ruellia
What is the natural habitat of Ruellia potamophila?
Ruellia potamophila is native to Mexico, Central America, and South America.
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,