Ruellia paniculata

Ruellia paniculata is a branching perennial herb or low subshrub native to northern South America and the Caribbean. Opposite leaves line upright stems topped by loose clusters of blue-violet funnel-shaped flowers. Each blossom has a slender tube and five spreading lobes that surround a pale throat. The species grows in sunny, seasonally dry tropical vegetation and readily occupies roadsides and other open disturbed habitats. Research-grade observations document it in Colombia. Photographed in Colombia.