Wigandia urens (Caracus Wigandia)

Botanical name: Wigandia urens

Common name: Caracus Wigandia

Family: Boraginaceae    (Formerly:Hydrophyllaceae)

Subfamily: Hydrophylloideae

Origin: Central and South America

Wigandia urens is a deciduous shrub or small tree to 4m. It has large ovate leaves to 30cm long. The flowers are deep purple with a white throat and are produced in terminal sprays in spring. The whole plant is covered with rusty-brown, irritant hairs.