About Ruellia drummondiana (Nees) A.Gray
Nomenclature
Ruellia drummondiana, also called Drummond's wild petunia, has an accepted scientific synonym of Dipteracanthus drummondianus Nees.
Distribution
This flowering plant is endemic to central Texas, United States.
Taxonomic History
It was first collected by naturalist Thomas Drummond, and first formally described in 1847.
Size
This species grows to a maximum height of 3 feet.
Morphology
It has an herbaceous dark green ridged stem, and produces purple flowers.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Unlike most Ruellia species native to the United States, R. drummondiana develops fruit that holds only 2 to 4 seeds.
Congeneric Seed Comparison
Most other species in this genus typically produce fruit with 6 to 20 seeds.
