Ruellia tuberosa

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Ruellia tuberosa

Conservation status

Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)

Scientific classification
Kingdom:

Plantae

(unranked):

Angiosperms

(unranked):

Eudicots

(unranked):

Asterids

Order:

Lamiales

Family:

Acanthaceae

Genus:

Ruellia

Species:

R. tuberosa
Binomial name
Ruellia tuberosa
L.

Synonyms

Cryphiacanthus
barbadensis Nees

Dipteracanthus
clandestinusC.Presl[1]

Ruellia clandestina L.[2]

Ruellia picta (Lodd. et al.)

Ruellia tuberosa, also known as Minnie Root, Fever Root, Snapdragon Root and Sheep
Potato (Thai: ), is a species offlowering plant in the Acanthaceae family. Its native range is in Central
America but presently it has become naturalized in many countries of tropical South and Southeast Asia.[3]
It is a small biennial plant with thick fusiform tuberous roots and striking funnel-shaped violet-colored flowers. It
reaches an average height of about 25 cm in moist and shady environments. It grows often as a weed even
in ruderal habitats. Its names Popping Pod,Duppy Gun and Cracker Plant come from the fact that children
like to play with the dry pods that pop when rubbed with spit or water.[4]
In animal models, this plant has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.[5] In folk
medicine[6] and Ayurvedic medicine[7] it has been used as a diuretic, antidiabetic, antipyretic, analgesic, antihypertensive, gastroprotective, and to treat gonorrhea.[8] It is also used as
a natural dye for textiles.[9]
Some butterfly species, like the Lemon Pansy (Junonia lemonias) and the Mangrove Buckeye (Junonia
genoveva), feed on the leaves of Ruellia tuberosa.