ACANTHACEAE – Asystasia – Asystasia gangetica – Asystasia travancorica (hort)

ACANTHACEAE

ACAPANTHUS FAMILY

Agapanthaceae includes a single genus of bulbous herbs from South Afica. Agapanthus was previously included in Alliaceae or liliaceae.

Asystasia

Asystasia includes approximately 70 species of perennial herbs and subshrubs from tropical Africa, India, and Asia. Asystasia gangetica has become widely nuturalized and is invasive in many coastal areas of the tropics. It is quite variable and possibly represents a hybrid gene pool. It is often encountered as a weed in lowns. In established beds, these pretty weeds can be kept under control by mulching. The funnel – shaped flowers are arranged along one side of the inflorescence stalk – Bracts are small and not showy.

Asystasia gangetic

coromandel, ganges primtose

Synonym: A.coromandeliana. Exact orgin obscure (probably India to Malaysia, eastern Africa), widely naturalized, perennial clambering herb, 1.5 – 3 ft, zones 9-10. Blooms warm months. Moderate moisture tolerates dry periods. Average, well drained soil. Full to part sun, Flowers: funnel – shaped, lobes flaring, lip slightly 2 – lobed, opening white or yellow becoming purplish, 1-2 in.wide, calyx cup small, lobes linear. Leaves: cordate to ovate, 1-2 in.long. A. creeping to clambering herb reminiscent of petunias Highly variable. A weed in lawn and coastal areas. Coromandel in named for the southeastern coast of India.

Asystasia travancorica (hort)

Unknown in the wild. Perennial herb, 1-3 ft, zones 9-11. Blooms warn months. Moderate moisture. Average, well – drained soil. Full to part sun. Flowers: funned – shaped, deep purple to white, with cream colored throat, borne on erect, terminal spikes. Leaves: Lanceolate to ovate, to about 1 in.long, margins entire or slightly toothed. Name of no botanical authority. Avariable plant, possibly a hybrid or cultigen. With characteristics similar to A. gangetica.

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