Family: Acanthaceae

A flowering shrub or woody vine that is native to West Africa. A prolific bloomer, deep purple, trumpet-shaped flowers with a white and yellow throat are present all year long. Soft leaves are oppositely arranged. It can be used as a scrambling hedge of 6 feet or trained as a vine. Use as an accent or boarder-not a focal point at the vine loses vigor in the winter months. It has moderate drought tolerance, water until established, then in times of drought. Propagate by cuttings.

Plant Uses:

• Bonsai
• Hedge
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening
• Bonzai

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Introduced repeatedly outside native range
  
• Congeneric species are invasive weeds (e.g., T. alata, T. grandiflora, T. annua)
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types (acidic, alkaline, sand, loam, clay)
  
• Grown and intentionally spread by people as an ornamental hedge
  
• Tolerates frequent pruning (benefits from mutilation)

Low Risk Traits:

• No evidence of naturalization outside native range
  
• Not known as a garden, agricultural, or environmental weed
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No evidence of toxicity to animals or humans
  
• Reproduces mainly by cuttings; seeds infrequently formed in cultivation
  
• Fruit a dehiscent capsule; seeds forcibly ejected, not adapted for wind, water, bird, or external animal dispersal
  
• Low seed output (2 seeds per fruit)