Malian Petunia

Ruellia simplex is a perennial flowering plant in the Acanthaceae family, commonly known as Mexican petunia or wild petunia, though it is not related to true petunias. It is native to parts of Central and South America and the Caribbean, but has been widely cultivated and naturalised in tropical and subtropical regions, including West Africa. In Mali, the plant is commonly found in gardens and along streets, valued for its resilience and long flowering period. It forms clumps through underground rhizomes and self-seeding. The flowers are short-lived, typically opening for a single day before falling, with new blooms appearing continuously. Ruellia simplex tolerates heat, seasonal drought, and a wide range of soil conditions. In parts of West Africa, plants of the Ruellia genus appear in local herbal practices, particularly in contexts involving pain and inflammation, though usage varies by region and species. Phytochemical studies have identified compounds such as flavonoids and alkaloids within the genus.

Watercolor on paper, 2025
19x17 cm