Asystasia gangetica (L.) T.Anderson
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Authority
Acevedo-Rodríguez, Pedro. 2005. Vines and climbing plants of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Contr. U. S. Natl. Herb. 51: 1-483.
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Family
Acanthaceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
Description - Decumbent herb, creeping or clambering, 1-3 m in length. Stems quadrangular. Leaves 2.5-11 x 2.5-6.5(8) cm, ovate to lanceolate, chartaceous. pubescent on both surfaces, especially on the veins, the apex acuminate, the base obtuse, truncate, rounded, or cordiform, the margins crenulate; petioles 0.5-3(4.5) cm long. Flowers arranged in terminal spikes on axillary branches; bracts and bracteoles ovate, ciliate. Calyx green, 5-7 mm long, the sepals lanceolate; corolla light yellow or pale violet, 2.3-5 cm long, with glandular hairs on the outer surface; stamens and pistil inserted on the floral tube. Capsules 2-2.5 cm long, claviform, light brown when ripe, densely covered with glandular hairs; seeds light brown, with irregular margins.
Phenology - Collected in flower and fruit throughout the year.
Conservation Status - Exotic, ornamental, naturalized in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, quite common.