Accession Count: 46
Common Name:
Baja ruellia
Family Name:
Acanthaceae
Botanical Name:
Ruellia peninsularis
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Baja ruellia is a small to medium-sized evergreen shrub with a round, compact growth habit. The baja ruellia grows up to 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide (4). The 1-inch glossy leaves are viscid and grow on light gray branches. The leaves grow in an opposite pattern (1). The shrub showcases deep purple tubular flowers 1 inch wide and single in the leaf axils. While sporadic flowering can occur throughout the year, the plant’s peak flower season is late spring through early summer (1). The fruit produced after the flower is inconspicuous (1).
Compound:
Rue pen
Geographic Origin:
Baja California, Sonora
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Baja ruellia originates in Baja California Sur, Sonora, Isla Tiburón, and the Guaymas area (3). Information on the history of this species is lacking.
Cultivation Notes:
This plant thrives in xeric landscapes and is commonly found planted along streetscapes and freeways, also making an excellent ornamental plant for residential and commercial landscapes. The plant grows best in full to part sun and should be given supplemental water when young to help it establish itself. Its natural shape is softly rounded, and no pruning is necessary to maintain it. However, pruning can be used to eliminate old woody growth (5). Baja ruellia pairs well with Leucophyllum frutscens in urban landscapes (1, 2).
Ethnobotany:
The leaves of the baja ruellia have been used as a medicinal tea and shampoo by the Seri Indians of Sonora (3).
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
Purple
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Tender
Water Use:
Low water Use
