Ribbon bush (Hypoestes aristata, Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 1: 140 (1817))

Family: Acanthaceae

Author: (Vahl) Sol. ex Roem. & Schult.

Bibliography: Syst. Veg., ed. 15 bis 1: 140 (1817)

Year: 1817

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Hypoestes

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & S. Africa

Description

The Ribbon Bush, scientifically known as Hypoestes aristata, is a captivating plant that belongs to the family Acanthaceae. First described in the seminal botanical work Systema Vegetabilium in 1817 by Vahl and later refined by Solander, Roemer, and Schultes, this plant has long attracted the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Native to the tropical and southern regions of Africa, the Ribbon Bush thrives in diverse environmental conditions, making it a resilient and adaptable plant. It is characterized by its striking foliage and elegant flowers, which have made it a popular choice in gardens and landscapes across the globe.

The plant typically features elongated, lance-shaped leaves that are adorned with intricate patterns, which often include splashes of white or pink, creating an eye-catching display. In addition to its attractive foliage, the Ribbon Bush produces delicate flowers that range in color from subtle lavender to vibrant shades of purple, adding a touch of beauty and elegance to any setting.

The adaptability of Hypoestes aristata allows it to flourish in various soil types and light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. This versatility makes it an excellent addition to a range of garden designs, whether as a standalone specimen or as part of a mixed border. Furthermore, its relatively low maintenance requirements mean it can be enjoyed by novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, the Ribbon Bush also plays a role in the local ecosystems where it originates. It provides nectar for a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby supporting the health and biodiversity of its native habitats.

Overall, the Ribbon Bush is a plant of remarkable beauty and utility, making it a valuable addition to any botanical collection. Whether appreciated for its aesthetic qualities or its ecological contributions, Hypoestes aristata remains a standout species within the rich tapestry of plant life.

Common Names

En: Ribbon bush, Purple ribbon bush

Synonyms

• Justicia aristata (Vahl)

Distribution

• Burkina (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Cameroon (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Central African Repu (native)
• Chad (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Gabon (native)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
• Ivory Coast (native)
• Kenya (native)
• KwaZulu-Natal (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Nigeria (native)
• Northern Provinces (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Swaziland (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Zambia (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Zimbabwe (native)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2019 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 3, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2020 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2021 by guillem juan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2021 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 4, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2017 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2017 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jul 19, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 29, 2017 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2017 by susan brown (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2020 by susan brown (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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7264156)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:49834-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hypoestes aristata (Vahl) Roem. & Schult.)

Specifications

Growth