Family: Acanthaceae

Form: Herbaceous perennial, reaching 1 ft in height

Leaves: Simple, opposite

Stem/Bark: Green, strigose

Flower: Purple, 5-petaled, sessile

Fruit: Capsules containing round seeds

Comments: This wonderful native should not be confused with the FLEPPC Category I invasive species, Ruellia tweediana, having taller form and linear elliptic leaves. Authorities list 4 other Ruellia species native to Florida but these are difficult to find or absent in the nursery trade.