Ruttya fruticosa - Ruttya (jammy mouth in South Africa)
Family Acanthaceae
Description:
About three species of Ruttya are native to tropical Africa. This is a densely branched, shrubby plant. An abundance of orange flowers with black centers are produced in summer and fall. Reportedly, hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.
Location:
See plants on the south side of building 15.
Size:
Small shrub to about three feet.
Care Instructions:
Light: full shade to part shade
Water: moist, well-drained soil, somewhat drought tolerant once established
Soil: adaptable to soils, no special requirements
The cold hardiness of this plant is not well known. This plant was donated to the University by local plant collector, Joyce Jarrell. It is reported to grow as a perennial in a similar climate on the Gulf coast, dying to the ground in winter and resprouting in spring.