366 Species of Genus Ruellia

Ruellia: A World of Wild Petunias

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been fascinated by the diversity of the plant world. Lately, I’ve become particularly captivated by the genus Ruellia, a group of flowering plants often called “wild petunias.” While they share a resemblance with petunias, they’re not actually closely related. Their vibrant colors and unique forms have drawn me in, and I’ve spent countless hours learning about their characteristics, habitats, and uses.

What Makes Ruellia Special?

Ruellia belongs to the Acanthaceae family, which boasts a wide array of flowering plants. What sets Ruellia apart are their distinctive flowers, often trumpet-shaped with five petals, and their ability to thrive in diverse environments. From the tropics to temperate regions, these plants have adapted to various conditions, showcasing their resilience and beauty.

One of the things I find most interesting about Ruellia is its history. The genus was named after Jean Ruelle, a renowned herbalist and physician who served Francis I of France. Ruelle was a pioneer in his field, translating ancient Greek texts on botany and medicine, including the works of Dioscorides. It’s fitting that such a vibrant and diverse genus bears the name of a man who dedicated his life to understanding the natural world.

A Kaleidoscope of Colors and Forms

The diversity within the Ruellia genus is truly remarkable. With over 300 recognized species, these plants come in a stunning array of colors, shapes, and sizes:

1. Ruellia acutangula Nees
2. Ruellia adenocalyx Lindau
3. Ruellia adenostachya Lindau
4. Ruellia affinis (Schrad.) T.Anderson
5. Ruellia albopurpurea Benoist
6. Ruellia alboviolacea Lindau
7. Ruellia amabilis S.Moore
8. Ruellia amapensis Wassh.
9. Ruellia amarilla E.A.Tripp & Luján
10. Ruellia amoena Sessé & Moc.
11. Ruellia amplexicaulis (Nees) Lindau
12. Ruellia anamariae A.S.Reis, A.Gil & Kameyama
13. Ruellia anaticollis Benoist
14. Ruellia angustiflora (Nees) Lindau ex Rambo
15. Ruellia angustifolia Sw.
16. Ruellia angustior (Nees) Lindau
17. Ruellia ansericollis Benoist
18. Ruellia anthracina Leonard
19. Ruellia antiquorum Wassh. & J.R.I.Wood
20. Ruellia aquatica Leonard
21. Ruellia asperula (Mart. & Nees) Lindau
22. Ruellia aurantiaca Leonard
23. Ruellia bahiensis (Nees) Morong
24. Ruellia baikiei (Hook.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Salomon
25. Ruellia baurii C.B.Clarke
26. Ruellia beckii Wassh. & J.R.I.Wood
27. Ruellia beddomei C.B.Clarke
28. Ruellia bella Craib
29. Ruellia benedictina Chiov.
30. Ruellia beniana J.R.I.Wood
31. Ruellia beyrichiana (Nees) S.Moore
32. Ruellia bignoniiflora S.Moore
33. Ruellia biolleyi Lindau
34. Ruellia blanchetiana (Moric.) Lindau
35. Ruellia blechioides Sw.
36. Ruellia blechum L.
37. Ruellia blumei Steud.
38. Ruellia bolivarensis Wassh.
39. Ruellia boliviana Govaerts
40. Ruellia boranica Ensermu
41. Ruellia borneensis (S.Moore) E.A.Tripp & I.Darbysh.
42. Ruellia bourgaei Hemsl.
43. Ruellia brachysiphon (Nees) Hiern
44. Ruellia bracteata R.Br.
45. Ruellia brandbergensis Kers
46. Ruellia breedlovei T.F.Daniel
47. Ruellia brevifolia (Pohl) C.Ezcurra
48. Ruellia bulbifera Lindau
49. Ruellia burttii Vollesen
50. Ruellia californica (Vasey & Rose) I.M.Johnst.
51. Ruellia calimensis Wassh.
52. Ruellia capotyra Braz & I.H.F.Azevedo
53. Ruellia capuronii Benoist
54. Ruellia caracasana (Klotzsch & H.Karst. ex Nees) V.M.Badillo
55. Ruellia carmenaemiliae Llamozas
56. Ruellia carnea Balf.f.
57. Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F.Gmel.) Steud.
58. Ruellia caucensis Leonard
59. Ruellia cearensis Lindau
60. Ruellia cedilloi Ramamoorthy
61. Ruellia chamaedrys (Nees) Angely
62. Ruellia chariessa Leonard
63. Ruellia chartacea (T.Anderson) Wassh.
64. Ruellia ciconiicollis Benoist
65. Ruellia ciliata Hornem.
66. Ruellia ciliatiflora Hook.
67. Ruellia coccinea (L.) Vahl
68. Ruellia colombiana Leonard
69. Ruellia colonensis Wassh.
70. Ruellia comonduensis T.F.Daniel
71. Ruellia congoensis Benoist
72. Ruellia conzattii Standl.
73. Ruellia cordata Thunb.
74. Ruellia corynotheca F.Muell. ex Benth.
75. Ruellia corzoi Tharp & F.A.Barkley
76. Ruellia costaricensis (Oerst.) E.A.Tripp & McDade
77. Ruellia costata (Nees) Hiern
78. Ruellia cuatrecasasii Wassh.
79. Ruellia currorii T.Anderson
80. Ruellia curupira E.C.O.Chagas & Costa-Lima
81. Ruellia curviflora Nees & Mart.
82. Ruellia cuyabensis Wassh.
83. Ruellia cyanea Bojer ex Nees
84. Ruellia decaryi Benoist
85. Ruellia decipiens Nees
86. Ruellia delascioi Wassh.
87. Ruellia densa Hiern
88. Ruellia densiflora Hemsl.
89. Ruellia dequairei Benoist
90. Ruellia detonsa Benoist
91. Ruellia devosiana Jacob-Makoy ex É.Morren
92. Ruellia dielsii Mildbr.
93. Ruellia dioscoridis Napper
94. Ruellia discifolia Oliv.
95. Ruellia discolor Lecchi ex Colla
96. Ruellia dissidens Benoist
97. Ruellia dissimilis J.B.Imlay
98. Ruellia dissitifolia (Nees) Hiern
99. Ruellia dissoluta Lindau
100. Ruellia dolichosiphon Wassh. & J.R.I.Wood
101. Ruellia domatiata I.Darbysh. & E.A.Tripp
102. Ruellia domingensis (Nees) Lindau
103. Ruellia donnell-smithii Leonard
104. Ruellia drummondiana (Nees) A.Gray
105. Ruellia drushelii Tharp & F.A.Barkley
106. Ruellia edwardsae Tharp & F.A.Barkley
107. Ruellia elegans Poir.
108. Ruellia epallocaulos Leonard ex C.Ezcurra & Wassh.
109. Ruellia eriocalyx Glaz. ex T.F.Daniel, E.A.Tripp & C.Ezcurra
110. Ruellia erythropus (Nees) Lindau
111. Ruellia eumorphantha Lindau
112. Ruellia eurycodon Lindau
113. Ruellia exilis McDade & E.A.Tripp
114. Ruellia exostemma Lindau
115. Ruellia exserta Wassh. & J.R.I.Wood
116. Ruellia fiherenensis Benoist
117. Ruellia filicalyx Lindau
118. Ruellia fiorii Chiov.
119. Ruellia floribunda Hook.
120. Ruellia foetida Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
121. Ruellia foliosepala T.F.Daniel
122. Ruellia forsskaolii Thulin
123. Ruellia fruticosa Sessé & Moc. ex DC.
124. Ruellia fulgens (Bremek.) E.A.Tripp
125. Ruellia fulgida Andrews
126. Ruellia fulozinha E.C.O.Chagas & Costa-Lima
127. Ruellia furcata (Nees) Lindau
128. Ruellia galactophylla Chiov.
129. Ruellia galeottii Leonard
130. Ruellia geayi (Benoist) E.A.Tripp
131. Ruellia geminiflora Kunth
132. Ruellia gilva Wassh.
133. Ruellia glischrocalyx Lindau
134. Ruellia golfodulcensis Durkee
135. Ruellia gorgonensis Leonard
136. Ruellia gracilis Rusby
137. Ruellia grantii Leonard
138. Ruellia grisea Leonard
139. Ruellia gruicollis Benoist
140. Ruellia guerrerensis T.F.Daniel
141. Ruellia haematantha Lindau
142. Ruellia haenkeana (Nees) Wassh.
143. Ruellia hapalotricha Lindau
144. Ruellia harveyana Stapf
145. Ruellia haughtii (Leonard) E.A.Tripp
146. Ruellia helianthema (Nees) Profice
147. Ruellia herbstii (Hook.) Hiern
148. Ruellia heterosepala Benoist
149. Ruellia heterotricha Deflers
150. Ruellia hirsutissima (Nees) E.A.Tripp
151. Ruellia hirsutoglandulosa (Oerst.) Hemsl.
152. Ruellia holm-nielsenii Wassh.
153. Ruellia hookeriana (Nees) Hemsl.
154. Ruellia humboldtiana (Nees) Lindau
155. Ruellia humilis Nutt.
156. Ruellia hygrophila Mart.
157. Ruellia hygrophiloides (Nees) Hemsl.
158. Ruellia hypericoides (Nees) Lindau
159. Ruellia incomta (Nees) Lindau
160. Ruellia indecora Benoist
161. Ruellia inflata Rich.
162. Ruellia insignis Balf.f.
163. Ruellia insurrecta E.C.O.Chagas & Costa-Lima
164. Ruellia intermedia Leonard
165. Ruellia inundata Kunth
166. Ruellia ischnopoda Leonard
167. Ruellia jaliscana Standl.
168. Ruellia japurensis Mart. ex Nees
169. Ruellia jeddahica Hemaid
170. Ruellia jiboia E.C.O.Chagas & Costa-Lima
171. Ruellia jimulcensis Villarreal
172. Ruellia jussieuoides Schltdl. & Cham.
173. Ruellia kerrii Craib
174. Ruellia kleinii C.Ezcurra & Wassh.
175. Ruellia kuriensis Vierh.
176. Ruellia lactea Cav.
177. Ruellia lanatoglandulosa (Nees) Lindau
178. Ruellia lasiostachya Leonard
179. Ruellia laslobasensis E.A.Tripp
180. Ruellia latibracteata D.N.Gibson
181. Ruellia latisepala Benoist
182. Ruellia laxa (Nees) Lindau
183. Ruellia leonardiana Hammel
184. Ruellia lepidota Urb.
185. Ruellia leptosepala Benoist
186. Ruellia leucantha Brandegee
187. Ruellia leucobracteatus Durkee
188. Ruellia liesneri Wassh.
189. Ruellia lindaviana Taub.
190. Ruellia linearibracteolata Lindau
191. Ruellia linifolia Benoist
192. Ruellia lithophila Lindau
193. Ruellia longepetiolata (Oerst.) Hemsl.
194. Ruellia longifilamentosa Lindau
195. Ruellia longifolia Rich.
196. Ruellia longipedunculata Lindau
197. Ruellia lutea (Leonard) E.A.Tripp & Luján
198. Ruellia luzona Nees
199. Ruellia luzoniensis Merr.
200. Ruellia macarenensis Leonard
201. Ruellia macrantha (Nees) Van Houtte
202. Ruellia macrophylla Vahl
203. Ruellia macrosiphon Kurz
204. Ruellia macrosolen Lillo ex C.Ezcurra
205. Ruellia magniflora C.Ezcurra
206. Ruellia makoyana Closon
207. Ruellia malaca Leonard
208. Ruellia malacophylla C.B.Clarke
209. Ruellia malasica (C.B.Clarke) J.B.Imlay
210. Ruellia matagalpae Lindau
211. Ruellia matudae Leonard
212. Ruellia maya T.F.Daniel
213. Ruellia mcvaughii T.F.Daniel
214. Ruellia megasphaera Lindau
215. Ruellia menthoides (Nees) Hiern
216. Ruellia metziae Tharp
217. Ruellia microcalyx (Nees) Lindau
218. Ruellia mira McDade & E.A.Tripp
219. Ruellia misera Benoist
220. Ruellia mollis (Nees) Lindau
221. Ruellia monanthos (Nees) Bojer ex T.Anderson
222. Ruellia morongii Britton
223. Ruellia muelleri Tharp & F.A.Barkley
224. Ruellia multifolia (Nees) Lindau
225. Ruellia napoensis Wassh.
226. Ruellia neoneesiana Wassh.
227. Ruellia neowedia (Schrad.) Lindau
228. Ruellia nitens (Nees) Wassh.
229. Ruellia nitida (Nees) Wassh. & J.R.I.Wood
230. Ruellia nobilis (S.Moore) Lindau
231. Ruellia noctiflora (Nees) A.Gray
232. Ruellia nocturna Hedrén
233. Ruellia norvegigratiosa McDade & E.A.Tripp
234. Ruellia novogaliciana T.F.Daniel
235. Ruellia nummularia Benoist
236. Ruellia oaxacana Leonard
237. Ruellia obliqua Pers.
238. Ruellia obtusa Nees
239. Ruellia ochroleuca Mart. ex Nees
240. Ruellia odorata E.A.Tripp & McDade
241. Ruellia ovalifolia (Oerst.) Hemsl.
242. Ruellia palustris Durkee
243. Ruellia panamensis (Lindau) E.A.Tripp
244. Ruellia paniculata L.
245. Ruellia panucana Lindau
246. Ruellia parryi A.Gray
247. Ruellia parva Hemsl.
248. Ruellia parvifolia Urb.
249. Ruellia patula Jacq.
250. Ruellia pauciovulata Benoist
251. Ruellia paulayana Vierh.
252. Ruellia pedunculata Torr. ex A.Gray
253. Ruellia pedunculosa (Nees) Lindau
254. Ruellia pereducta Standl.
255. Ruellia perrieri Benoist
256. Ruellia petiolaris (Nees) T.F.Daniel
257. Ruellia philippinensis Elmer
258. Ruellia phyllocalyx Lindau
259. Ruellia pilosa L.f.
260. Ruellia pittieri Lindau
261. Ruellia placoidea Rendle
262. Ruellia pohlii (Nees) E.A.Tripp & T.F.Daniel
263. Ruellia poissonii Benoist
264. Ruellia potamophila Leonard
265. Ruellia praeclara Standl.
266. Ruellia praetermissa Schweinf. ex Lindau
267. Ruellia primulacea F.Muell. ex Benth.
268. Ruellia primuloides (T.Anderson ex Benth.) Heine
269. Ruellia pringlei Fernald
270. Ruellia prostrata Poir.
271. Ruellia proxima Lindau
272. Ruellia pseudopatula Ensermu
273. Ruellia pterocaulon Leonard
274. Ruellia puberula (Leonard) Tharp & F.A.Barkley
275. Ruellia pulcherrima T.Anderson ex Hemsl.
276. Ruellia pulverulenta Leonard
277. Ruellia pumila (Nees) Pav. ex B.D.Jacks.
278. Ruellia purshiana Fernald
279. Ruellia putumayensis Leonard
280. Ruellia pygmaea Donn.Sm.
281. Ruellia quadrisepala Benoist
282. Ruellia quartziticola Callm., E.A.Tripp & Phillipson
283. Ruellia rasa Hiern
284. Ruellia rauhii Wassh.
285. Ruellia reitzii Wassh. & L.B.Sm.
286. Ruellia repens L.
287. Ruellia resupinata E.A.Tripp & T.F.Daniel
288. Ruellia richardsiae Vollesen
289. Ruellia riedeliana (Nees) Profice
290. Ruellia rubiginosa (Nees) Lindau
291. Ruellia rubra Aubl.
292. Ruellia rufipila Rizzini
293. Ruellia ruiziana (Nees) Lindau
294. Ruellia rusbyi Leonard
295. Ruellia saccata Schmidt-Leb. & E.A.Tripp
296. Ruellia saccifera Benoist
297. Ruellia saeri Llamozas
298. Ruellia salmeronensis Llamozas
299. Ruellia salviifolius (Nees) Profice
300. Ruellia sanguinea Griseb.
301. Ruellia sarukhaniana Ramamoorthy
302. Ruellia saulensis Wassh.
303. Ruellia scabrifolia Valeton
304. Ruellia scarlatina M.J.Silva
305. Ruellia sceptrum-marianum (Vell.) Stearn
306. Ruellia schlechtendaliana (Nees) Hemsl.
307. Ruellia schnellii Wassh.
308. Ruellia serrana Profice
309. Ruellia sessilifolia (Nees) Lindau
310. Ruellia shaferiana Urb.
311. Ruellia siamensis J.B.Imlay
312. Ruellia sibua (Nees) I.M.Turner
313. Ruellia silvaccola (Nees) Lindau
314. Ruellia simplex C.Wright
315. Ruellia singularis Benoist
316. Ruellia siraensis Wassh.
317. Ruellia sivarajanii Sreedevi, Remadevi & Binojk.
318. Ruellia solitaria Vell.
319. Ruellia sororia Standl.
320. Ruellia spatulifolia Benoist
321. Ruellia spectabilis (Hook.) G.Nicholson
322. Ruellia spissa Leonard
323. Ruellia splendidula (Nees) Lindau
324. Ruellia sprucei Lindau
325. Ruellia stelligera Benoist
326. Ruellia stemonacanthoides (Oerst.) Hemsl.
327. Ruellia stenophylla C.B.Clarke
328. Ruellia steyermarkii Wassh.
329. Ruellia strepens L.
330. Ruellia subringens (Nees) Lindau
331. Ruellia subsessilis (Nees) Lindau
332. Ruellia taboleirana E.C.O.Chagas & Costa-Lima
333. Ruellia tachiadena (Heine & A.Raynal) E.A.Tripp
334. Ruellia tarapotana Lindau
335. Ruellia terminalis (Nees) Wassh.
336. Ruellia tessmannii Mildbr.
337. Ruellia tetragona Link
338. Ruellia tetrastichantha Lindau
339. Ruellia thyrsostachya Lindau
340. Ruellia togoensis (Lindau) Heine
341. Ruellia tolimensis Leonard
342. Ruellia trachyphylla Lindau
343. Ruellia transitoria Benoist
344. Ruellia treubiana Lindau
345. Ruellia tuberosa L.
346. Ruellia tubiflora Kunth
347. Ruellia tubulata (Nees) Pav. ex B.D.Jacks.
348. Ruellia turbinis Benoist
349. Ruellia tuxtlensis Ramamoorthy & Y.H.Uribe
350. Ruellia umbrosa M.J.Silva
351. Ruellia uribei Leonard
352. Ruellia ventricosa Poir.
353. Ruellia venusta Hance
354. Ruellia verbasciformis (Nees) C.Ezcurra & Zappi
355. Ruellia villanovensis Colla
356. Ruellia villosa (Nees) Lindau
357. Ruellia vincta Benoist
358. Ruellia violacea Aubl.
359. Ruellia viridiflora Leonard
360. Ruellia viscidula Mart. ex Schrank
361. Ruellia wasshauseniana E.A.Tripp
362. Ruellia whitneyana E.A.Tripp
363. Ruellia woodii C.B.Clarke
364. Ruellia woolstonii C.Ezcurra
365. Ruellia wurdackii Wassh.
366. Ruellia yurimaguensis Lindau

More Than Just a Pretty Face

Beyond their ornamental value, Ruellia plants have also been used for medicinal purposes in various cultures. Traditionally, they’ve been employed to treat ailments such as fever, coughs, and skin infections. Some species are even believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. While more research is needed to fully understand their medicinal potential, the historical and cultural significance of Ruellia in traditional medicine is undeniable.

Cultivating Ruellia: A Rewarding Experience

Growing Ruellia can be a rewarding experience for any plant enthusiast. Many species are relatively easy to care for, requiring well-drained soil, ample sunlight, and regular watering. They can be propagated through cuttings or seeds, allowing you to expand your collection and share these beautiful plants with others. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Ruellia offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and add a touch of vibrant color to your surroundings.

A Continuing Journey of Discovery

As I continue to explore the world of Ruellia, I’m constantly amazed by their beauty and resilience. These plants serve as a reminder of the incredible diversity of life on Earth and the importance of preserving our natural heritage. I encourage everyone to take a closer look at the plants around them, and perhaps you too will discover the captivating allure of Ruellia.