Ruellia Elegans

Ruellia Elegans Latest News 

A new study has flagged the threat to native biodiversity from a botanical Brazilian beauty Ruellia elegans.

About Ruellia Elegans

• It derives its name from its pleasing appearance or elegance is native to Brazil.
• It is predominantly thriving in wet tropical biome.
• It is commonly known as the Brazilian petunia, Christmas pride, elegant Ruellia, red Ruellia, and wild petunia.
• It is one of four invasive species of the Acanthoideae sub-family in India, the others being Ruellia ciliatiflora, Ruellia simplex, and Ruellia tuberosa.
• It was introduced in the Andaman Islands, apart from Jamaica and Puerto Rico.
• Beyond the Andaman Islands, the invasive plant was recorded from Odisha almost a decade ago.

Impacts of Invasive Species on Biodiversity

• Invasive plant species are a problem because they can rapidly spread and outcompete native plants for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients.
• They disrupt ecosystems by altering biodiversity, impacting wildlife habitats, and potentially causing the decline or extinction of native species, often leading to significant economic and environmental damage.

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Ruellia Elegans FAQs

Q1: Where do ruellia grow best?

Ans: Ruellia grows well in our humid Southern climate 

Q2: What is Ruellia used for?

Ans: For the treatment of flu, asthma, fever, bronchitis, high blood pressure, eczema, and diabetes.

Source: TH