Ruspolia hypocrateriformis

Ruspolia hypocrateriformis

Quantity:

Common Names

Red Ruspolia (english)

Taxonomy

Family ACANTHACEAE
Genus Ruspolia
Species hypocrateriformis
SA Plant Number
Basionym Ruspolia hypocrateriformis

Description

Ruspolia hypocrateriformis is a fairly hardy, evergreen, scrambling woody shrub with bright green foliage. The spikes of showy pink to red flowers with darker spots on their lower petals are borne at the tips of new growth throughout summer and into autumn.

Butterflies are attracted to the garden by the large amount of nectar that these flowers produce. The flowers are followed by a dry capsule which splits with a loud crack to release the seed within.

Makes an interesting garden subject as a shrub and can be trained up as a climber.  It is not readily available in nurseries.

Plant in full sun or semi-shade, in fertile, well-drained, loamy soil.

Size: 1m but can climb to about 4m

Wildlife

Butterflies:
This is a good nectar plant for butterflies.

Uses

Landscaping:

Beautiful and rewarding species to use in a forest margin or semi-shade garden. Can be trained to grow as a climber.

Distribution

Limpopo, Mpumalanga

Natural Habitat:

Open Woodland

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