SafePlants

Ruellia blechum (Browne's Blechum, Green Shrimp Plant)

Ruellia blechum, also known as Browne's Blechum or Green Shrimp Plant, is an herbaceous plant species belonging to the Acanthaceae family. It was formerly classified under the genus Blechum, with the name Blechum pyramidatum.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Ruellia blechum L.
• Synonyms:
  • Blechum brownei Juss.
  • Blechum pyramidatum (Lam.) Urb.
  • Blechum blechum (L.) Millsp.
  • Barleria pyramidata Lamarck
  • Blechum linnaei var. nanum Nees
• Family: Acanthaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

• Originally found in America.
• Now naturalized in other parts of the world.
• Common in the Philippines, where it is locally known as "sapin-sapin."

Ecological Role

• Considered an invasive species in some regions.
• Listed in Invasive Species Most Unwanted lists.

Morphological Characteristics

• Trailing annual or perennial herb.
• Typically less than 50 cm tall, though some can reach 70 cm.
• Erect flower shoots.
• Opposite, ovate, stalked leaves, 2-7 cm long.
• Flowers are white or purple.
• Younger stems are quadrate to bisulcate and pubescent.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Serves as a host plant for Buckeye and White Peacock butterflies.
• Susceptible to Yellow Vein Disease, which can be associated with a novel Begomovirus.

Resources and Further Information

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (K), Herbarium Specimens
• Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk project (PIER)
• USDA PLANTS Database (Symbol: BLPY)
• EPPO Global Database
• Discover Life
• Invasive Plant Atlas