Definition: A plant family of the order Scrophulariales, subclass Asteridae, class Magnoliopsida. It is characterized by simple leaves in opposite pairs, cystoliths (enlarged cells containing crystals of calcium carbonate), and bilaterally symmetrical and bisexual flowers that are usually crowded together. The common name for Ruellia of wild petunia is easily confused with PETUNIA.
coord with specific PLANT STRUCTURES term if pertinent; for use in therapy coord IM with PHYTOTHERAPY (IM) + disease/drug ther (IM) + PLANT PREPARATION or its indentations/ther use (IM or NIM) + specific plant chemical /ther use (IM) if pertinent; Manual
See AlsoPetunia ExamplesAdhatoda; Andrographis
Other names Thunbergias; Ruellias; Hypoeste; Hygrophilas; Castillejas; Indian Paintbrush; Hygrophila; Thunbergia; Ruellia; Paintbrush, Indian; Hypoestes; Castilleja; Acanthus