Hummingbird-Vine, Ruttya

Ruttya fruticosa Lindau

RUT-ya fruit-ah-COSE-ah

Acanthaceae

Explanation of name: Fruticosa means shrubby.

Natural range: Africa (BA2)

Recognition:  Partially vinelike shrub having opposite, ovate, opposite leaves and extremely showy, 2-lipped bright orange flowers with a roughened-bumpy black (or very dark) blotch at the center. ‘Orange’ is a self-explanatory cultivar.  ‘Phyllis van Verden’ is a cultivar derived from the hybrid R.X ruspolia.

Landscape uses:  Bright showy flowers on a woody vine or shrub, aggressive.