Blue-Sage

Eranthemum pulchellum Andrews

err-ANTH-ah-mum pull-KELL-um

Acanthaceae

Explanation of name: Generic name is Greek for lovely flower (BA1). Pulchellum means beautiful.

Synonym: Eranthemum nervosum (Vahl) R.Br. ex Roem. & Schult. (WU2)

Natural range: India

Recognition: Small shrub or subshrub with opposite leaves, the blades puckered and subtly crenate; flowers blue with 5 petals, in bracteate spikes.

Pseuderanthemum (False Eranthemum) differs by having no (or small) bracts. Pseuderanthemum atropurpureum Radlk. usually (but not always) has purple coloration in the leaves and white to purple flowers with purple markings at the centers.

Landscape uses: Blue-flowering shrub or subshrub. Can be massed.