Status:
valid
Authors:
Wassh. & J.R.I.Wood
Source:
tro
Year:
2003
Citation Micro:
Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington 116: 271 (2003)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001034858
Common Names
- Ruellia exserta
- Exserted Ruellia
- Exserta Ruellia
Description
Ruellia exserta (also called 'Exserted Ruellia', among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that is native to tropical regions of Central and South America. It typically grows up to 5 m tall and has a rounded crown with small, ovate leaves. It grows in moist, open forests, along rivers and streams, and in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Ruellia exserta is used as an ornamental plant and is also used in traditional medicine.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Ruellia exserta has small white flowers, with a single-seeded fruit. The seed is small and black, with a shiny surface. The seedlings are slender and upright, with long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Ruellia exserta is a shrub that can be propagated by seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate a wide range of soil types. It can be propagated by taking cuttings from the current season's growth and rooting them in a moist, well-drained soil mix. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a warm, sunny location. The seedlings should be transplanted into individual pots when they are large enough to handle.
Where to Find Ruellia exserta
Ruellia exserta is native to Mexico and can be found in dry, open areas.
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,