Family: Acanthaceae

There are about 150 species in this genus of perennials, shrubs and subshrubs, found in tropical and North America, Africa and Asia. They are grown for their large, showy flowers and decorative foliage.

Species

R. elegans, a perennial sub-shrub from Brazil, grows to 60 cm (24 The bright scar-let flowers grow to about 5 cm (2 in) long and are borne in groups of two to three blooms.

R. macrantha is a shrub, to 2 m (6 ft), with large, prominently veined, pinkish lavender flowers, borne in the axils of the upper, oval leaves.

R. portellae is a prostrate annual or perennial, to 30 cm (12 in). Rosy pink flowers, about 4 cm (1½ in) long, are borne singly.

Cultivation

In climates prone to frosts, grow as pot plants in a warm conservatory or green-house. Use soilless potting compost. Provide good light (but shade from direct sun), and a very humid atmosphere. If young shoots are pinched out bushy plants will result. Prune back old, flowered stems when flowering is over. Propagate in spring from seed germinated at 21°C (70°F), or from softwood cuttings in spring.

Climate

Warm zone 10 to tropical.