Ruellia makoyana (Monkey flower)

Ruellia makoyana, Dipteracanthus makoyanus, Dipteracanthus devosianus, Monkey flower, Monkey Plant, Trailing Velvet Plant

Botanical names: Ruellia makoyana, Dipteracanthus makoyanus, Dipteracanthus devosianus

Common names: Monkey flower, Monkey Plant, Trailing Velvet Plant

Family: Acanthaceae

Origin: Brazil

Ruellia makoyana, the Monkey Flower or Trailing Velvet Plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae, native to Brazil. It is an evergreen perennial growing to 2-3 ft, with white-veined hairy leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers.

Called the monkey plant or the trailing velvet leaves, it is a showy spreading groundcover for shaded areas. Ruellia makoyana has attractive leaves which are purple tinged and with pretty silver markings on the upper surface, and very deep purple underneath. It blooms mainly autumn and early winter, with lovely carmine-pink flared flowers. It is best in part to dappled shade. Fall and winter bloomer, it provides color when it is needed most. Trailing Velvet Plant starts to flower in late fall and continues until spring. The flowers rise above the foliage so they are easily seen. The leaves have pronounced silver veining and are accented by the deep green velvety tones. This plant is perfect for limited space on windowsills or hanging baskets.