Strobilanthes


Strobilanthes is a genus of about 350 species of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae, mostly native to tropical Asia and Madagascar, but with a few species extending north into temperate regions of Asia. Many species are cultivated for their two-lipped, hooded flowers in shades of blue, pink, white and purple. Most are frost-tender and require protection in frost-prone areas. The genus is most famed for its many species which bloom on long cycles of several years, such as Strobilanthes wightii which blooms every thirteen years.

Species

[Image:Persian Shield Plant.jpg|thumb|right|S. auriculata var. dyeriana (cultivated)]
Strobilanthes atropurpurea is a temperate species, native to eastern Siberia; it is cultivated for its purple flowers.
Strobilanthes dyeriana is a tropical plant native to Myanmar. It is grown for its dark green foliage with bright, metallic-purple stripes radiating outward from the central leaf vein. In proper conditions, it will also produce pale purple flowers. Persian Shield grows best outdoors in USDA zones 9 and 10, although it can survive in other zones as a houseplant given sufficient temperature, soil moisture and humidity. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
Plants of the World Online currently includes:Strobilanthes abbreviata Y.F.Deng & J.R.I.WoodStrobilanthes accrescens J.R.I.WoodStrobilanthes adenophora NeesStrobilanthes adnata C.B.ClarkeStrobilanthes adpressa J.R.I.WoodStrobilanthes afriastiniae J.R.Benn.Strobilanthes alata BlumeStrobilanthes albostriata Ridl.Strobilanthes alboviridis J.B.ImlayStrobilanthes alternata Moylan ex J.R.I.WoodStrobilanthes amabilis C.B.ClarkeStrobilanthes anamallaica J.R.I.WoodStrobilanthes anamitica KuntzeStrobilanthes anceps NeesStrobilanthes andamanensis BorStrobilanthes andersonii Bedd.Strobilanthes angustifrons C.B.ClarkeStrobilanthes anisophylla T.AndersonStrobilanthes antonii ElmerStrobilanthes apoensis Merr.Strobilanthes aprica T.Anderson ex Benth.Strobilanthes arborea Span.Strobilanthes arenicola W.W.Sm.Strobilanthes argentea J.B.ImlayStrobilanthes arnottiana NeesStrobilanthes articulata J.B.ImlayStrobilanthes assimulata S.MooreStrobilanthes asymmetrica J.R.I.Wood & J.R.Benn.Strobilanthes atropurpurea NeesStrobilanthes atroviridis Y.F.Deng & J.R.I.WoodStrobilanthes attenuata Jacq. ex NeesStrobilanthes auriculata Nees

Herbivory

Strobilanthes species are food plants for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Endoclita malabaracus, which has been recorded on S. callosa.