Family: Acanthaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 635 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Ruellia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to N. South America and Peru, Caribbean
Description
Minnieroot, also known scientifically as Ruellia tuberosa, is a fascinating plant from the Acanthaceae family. First described by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work Species Plantarum in 1753, Minnieroot has since been noted for its extensive distribution across regions ranging from Mexico through Northern South America and Peru, extending to various islands in the Caribbean.
This species is notable for its resilience and adaptability, thriving in diverse climates and conditions. It typically inhabits areas with well-drained soil, often seen flourishing in grasslands, roadsides, and even disturbed sites where its tuberous roots can penetrate deeply into the earth, securing the plant and allowing it to access vital nutrients and water.
The aesthetic value of Minnieroot is significant, with its attractive purple or violet trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom abundantly, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardening. Its flowers are not only visually appealing but also serve an essential role in the ecosystem, providing nectar for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
In addition to its ecological contributions, Minnieroot has been utilized in traditional medicine, reputed for its therapeutic properties. Local communities within its native range have used different parts of the plant to treat a variety of ailments, showcasing its importance beyond mere ornamental significance.
Overall, Ruellia tuberosa exemplifies the intriguing intersection of botanical beauty and cultural utility, making it a noteworthy species within the rich biodiversity of its widespread habitat.
Common Names
Eng: minnieroot, fever bit, devil’s bit, fever root
En: Minnieroot, Fever Bit, Devil’s Bit, Fever Root, Minnie root, Bluebell
Ar: رولية برية
Bn: পটপটি ফুল
Zh: 塊根蘆莉草, 塊莖蘆莉草
Fr: Chandelier, Patate chandelier
He: רואליה טובורוזה
Id: Kencana ungu liar
Ml: ശിവകരന്ത
Es: Salta perico
Zh-tw: 塊根蘆莉草
Th: ต้อยติ่ง
Synonyms
- Dipteracanthus clandestinus ((L.) C.Presl)
- Ruellia picta (G.Lodd.)
- Cryphiacanthus barbadensis (Nees)
- Ruellia tuberosa var. humilis (M.Gómez)
- Ruellia lysimachia (Nees)
- Ruellia clandestina (L.)
Distribution
- Aruba (native)
- Bahamas (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Netherlands Antilles (native)
- Peru (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Southwest Caribbean (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Andaman Is. (introduced)
- Assam (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Cambodia (introduced)
- China South-Central (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- Laos (introduced)
- Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Myanmar (introduced)
- Nepal (introduced)
- New Caledonia (introduced)
- Nicobar Is. (introduced)
- Pakistan (introduced)
- Panamá (introduced)
- Seychelles (introduced)
- Sri Lanka (introduced)
- Sudan (introduced)
- Taiwan (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 5, 2020 by tigabelas nyonyo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2021 by ashwani sengar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 7, 2021 by salver mily (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 13, 2014 by Thomas Delhotal (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 13, 2016 by richard gautier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2017 by richard gautier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ambrosio Jimenez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Uwe Rosenke (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken Jul 7, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2022 by Quindío Explorer Explorer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 17, 2020 by Rajendra Rajendra Choure (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 22, 2020 by Lourdes Koch (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 5, 2019 by camargo L. alvaro (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 19, 2021 by ravleen k (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Uwe Rosenke (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2021 by Uwe Rosenke (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Dec 15, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 15, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2021 by Winston spencer Bejarano hinestroza (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Juairia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Shariya usmani (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 19, 1969 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Bhaskar Adhikari (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 9, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Ambrosio Jimenez (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:54671-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5415418)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Ruellia tuberosa L.)
