Click on images to enlarge
dense infestation in riparian bushland (Photo: Sheldon Navie)
habit (Photo: Sheldon Navie)
leaves (Photo: Sheldon Navie)
hairy stems and leaf undersides (Photo: Sheldon Navie)
close-up of leaf (Photo: Sheldon Navie)
close-up of flower (Photo: Sheldon Navie)
flower from side-on and immature fruit (Photo: Sheldon Navie)
seedling (Photo: Sheldon Navie)
young plant (Photo: Sheldon Navie)
Scientific Name
Ruellia squarrosa (Fenzl) Cufod.
Synonyms
Dipteracanthus squarrosus Fenzl
Family
Acanthaceae
Common Names
creeping ruellia, ruellia, water bluebell
Origin
Native to southern Mexico.
Naturalised Distribution
This species is naturalised in some parts of eastern Australia. It is currently thought to be limited to south-eastern Queensland and the coastal districts of central New South Wales. It is possibly also naturalised on Norfolk Island.
Naturalised overseas in Okinawa and on La Réunion.
Notes
Creeping ruellia (Ruellia squarrosa) is a minor or emerging environmental weed in south-eastern Queensland and a potential environmental weed or "sleeper weed" in other parts of Australia.