Ruellia caroliniensis (J.F. Gmel.) Steud. - Carolina Wild Petunia
Family - Acanthaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Calyx.
Flowering - May - September.
Habitat - Dry woods, sandy fields, rock crevices, flatwoods, hammocks.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This species can be found essentially throughout Alabama. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its opposite, petiolate leaves, big blue flowers, and long, thin calyx lobes. The plant is very attractive and is certainly worthy of cultivation. It grows well from seed and requires no care once established.
The genus name Ruellia is given in honor of early French herbalist Jean Ruelle (1474 - 1537).
The species epithet caroliniensis means "Carolinian, from Carolina."
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Lee Rd 54, Auburn, AL., 6-27-05.