Eranthemum pulchellum (syn. Eranthemum nervosum) is a long-flowering evergreen shrub native to India but widely naturalised in the tropics. Pronunciation: eer-RANTH-ee-mum pul-KEL-um. Newly naturalised in Enoggera catchment, several decent-sized populations consisting of numerous individuals from seedlings to large shrubby plants almost 2 m tall. Yet another naturalised Acanthaceae, of which there have been dozens of new naturalisations recorded recently (early 2007). Weed risk high because of the density of the clumps.
Photo: Robert Whyte
Foliage
The ovate dark green leaves have white veins and small teeth. The plant prefers light shade, not frost hardy. A popular greenhouse plant.
Photo: Robert Whyte
Flowers – Mature, Dried
Long-flowering, terminal clusters of nearly true-blue flowers with just a tinge of purple in winter. Pulchellum means pretty. Eranthemum means beautiful flower.
Photo: Robert Whyte
