Status:
valid
Authors:
Chiov.
Source:
ksufab
Year:
1930
Citation Micro:
Atti Soc. Naturalisti Mat. Modena 61: 203 (1930)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000401729
Common Names
- Ruellia benedictina
- Benedictine Ruellia
- Benedictine Wild Petunia
Description
Ruellia benedictina (also called Benedictine Wild Petunia, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the southeastern United States. It has a woody stem, lance-shaped leaves, and white or purple flowers. It grows in sandy soils and is often found in dry, sunny areas.
Uses & Benefits
Ruellia benedictina is used as an ornamental plant and for landscaping. It is also used in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. The plant is known to have antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Ruellia benedictina is a white or purple star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small and have a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ruellia benedictina can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and rooted in a moist soil mix. Both methods should be done in a warm, humid environment.
Where to Find Ruellia benedictina
Ruellia benedictina can be found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia.
Ruellia benedictina FAQ
What is the scientific name of Ruellia benedictina?
Ruellia benedictina
What is the common name of Ruellia benedictina?
Benedictina Ruellia
What is the natural habitat of Ruellia benedictina?
Ruellia benedictina is native to tropical areas of Central 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,