Other characteristics that make wild Mexican-petunia a successful invasive are its rapid growth rate, affinity for disturbed locations, prolific production of seed, and lack of germination requirements such as scarification or stratification. Native Introduced Native and Introduced. Seeds produce a gel-like substance when wet that enables them to stick to surfaces when they dry. 5 out of 5 stars (74) 74 reviews $ 21.00. They are generally found growing under trees. If you are planning to apply an herbicide, be aware of and follow all instructions and safety precautions outlined on the package. Scientific: Ruellia brittoniana (synonym R. malacosperma) Common: purple ruellia Family: Acanthaceae Origin: Mexico Pronounciation: Ru-EL-lee-a brit-toe-nee-A-na Hardiness zones Sunset 12-24 USDA 8 (freeze damage), 9-11. Five lobed, petunia-like, lavender to violet flowers bloom from the upper leaf axils in loose purple-stemmed clusters. Plants also tol… It is sometimes named Ruellia brittoniana, but R. simplex is preferred, as it is the name first given to the plant when described in Cuba. They are inexpensive, low … Mexican Petunia (Ruellia simplex) Biology and Management Adrienne M. Smith UF/IFAS Aquatic Weed Control Short Course May 6, 2015. The Atlas of Florida Plants provides a source of information for the distribution of plants within the state and taxonomic information. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The Plants Database includes the following 27 species of Ruellia . Mexican petunia prefers medium to wet soil that is fertile and well drained and full sun to partial shade, although flowering is best in full sun. Instead, plants can be dug up with a shovel, with the aim to remove the entire root mass. Beloved by many gardeners for its heat tolerance and shade-loving nature, but reviled by others for its eagerness to spread with abandon, R. simplex can be divisive. Veins are prominent on the underside of the leaf. 2010). Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Google Privacy Policy | Mexican petunia is an attractive blue- to purple-flowered perennial that is available at some garden centers. It thrives as a marginal water plant and in boggy soils. Leaf margins are can be smooth or wavy. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Stems are green or purple and leaves are dark green, oppositely arranged and lance-shaped, roughly 6 to 12 inches long and ½ to ¾ inches wide. Habana 6: 321 1869. R. simplex, the name of a species described from material collected in Cuba in 1870, is the oldest name for the Neotropical species generally known as Ruellia tweediana, Ruellia coerulea and Ruellia malacosperma. Answer: Neither Ruellia brittonianna (Mexican petunia) nor any other species of Ruellia appear in any of the following toxic plant databases: Poisonous … Cut back stems after flowering to encourage new flowers. While it seeds freely, keep in mind that some cultivars are sterile ('Purple Showers'), in which case they may spread by rhizomes. Capsules have explosive dehiscence and seeds are spread long distances. The root and leaf for alleviating retention of urine. Ruellia simplex, or Mexican petunia, is a herbaceous evergreen perennial of the Acanthaceae family. Also used as an abortifacient, The root is used against kidney diseases and for whooping cough. Use sterile Ruellia cultivars such as "Mayan Purple," "Purple Showers," "Mayan Pink" and "Mayan White." Flowers are followed by bean-like pods (to 1â long) which explosively dehisce mature seed in all directions. There main blooming period is from Spring to summer, but many Ruellia will … Ruellia simplex, the Mexican petunia, Mexican bluebell or Britton's wild petunia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae.It is a native of Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. UF Privacy Policy Mexican-petunia is able to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions including variations in light, temperature, and moisture. Saved by Miguel Perez. Click below on a thumbnail map or name for species profiles. The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Ruellia simplex C.Wright is an accepted name This name is the accepted name of a species in the genus Ruellia (family Acanthaceae). From shop Islandherbsandspices. Browse pictures and read growth / cultivation information about Ruellia, White Ruellia (Ruellia simplex) 'Alba' supplied by member gardeners in the PlantFiles database at Dave's Garden. Seeds generally have high germination rates, and can germinate in both light and dark conditions. The wild form has purple flowers, and is native to Mexico, Western South America and the Antilles. Mowing, tillage or weed-eating the tops off Mexican-petunia will not remove the plants entirely. Gardeners have traditionally used Mexican petunia to add height to perennial borders, since it can grow up to three feet tall. Ruellia asperula was used in bronchitis, asthma, flu, fever and uterus inflamma- tion (7). Several species of Ruellia are ornamentals, and others have been noted for their local, medicinal uses (e. g., for the treatment of headaches, dizziness, used to make teas, eye drops, and leaves smoked to induce hallucinations; see Daniel 2004 and Wasshausen 2005). A single spray of a 2% foliar application of glyphosate will control small areas of Mexican-petunia; however, if the area of established plants is large or especially dense, then a second herbicide application may be needed after 2 to 3 months. Uses, Benefits, Cures, Side Effects, Nutrients in Ruellia Tuberosa. It was introduced to Florida in the 1940s. Flowers are trumpet shaped (1-1/2 to 3 inches in diameter), solitary or borne in clusters at the tips of the stems, and are attractive to butterflies, bees and other pollinators. Many ready-mixed and readily available herbicides can successfully reduce Mexican-petunia cover, including glyphosate, which can be purchased by home-owners at most retail garden stores under the trade name Roundup. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Mexican Petunia (Ruellia simplex), Pink Flowering, Shade- and Drought Tolerant, Deer Resistant Perennial Bush, 25+ seeds, Easy Grower ... Duppy Gun – Ruellia Tuberosa - Medicinal Herb Islandherbsandspices. (misapplied) Ruellia tweedianaGriseb. Ruellia Simplex. Ruellia simplex - Desert Petunia. However, Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex*) has been classified as a highly invasive plant in Florida. Mexican-petunia (also known as Mexican bluebell or Britton’s petunia) is described as a “hardy perennial edging plant for flower beds and as colorful groundcovers.” Scientific names include Ruellia brittoniana, R. coerulea and R. tweediana, but taxonomists now use the name Ruellia simplex, which was the first name used to describe this species. 3. 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