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Asystasia gangetica

(L.) T.Anderson (1860)

This name is accepted

Kingdom: Viridiplantae Phylum: Magnoliophyta Class/Clade: Eudicot-Asterids Order: Lamiales Family: Acanthaceae Genus: Asystasia

Chinese violet, coromandel

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Description

Key Characters:

Growth Form: Procumbent or scandent perennial herbs.

Stems: Stems 0.5–2 m long.

Roots:

Leaves: Leaves simple. opposite and decussate (pairs of leaves alternating 90 degrees between nodes). Blades ovate, 2.5–13 cm long. Surfaces sparsely strigillose, especially on the veins. Margins entire. Petioles 0.5–4.5 cm long. Stipules absent.

Flowers: Flowers in 1-sided spikes or racemes. Flowers bisexual (perfect); each subtended by small, linear to triangular bracts 1–2 mm long, pedicels ca. 2 mm long. Calyx 5-lobed; lobes 5–7 mm long. Corolla pale blue to purple, occasionally white or tinged yellow, 3–3.5 cm long, the lobes spreading; 5-lobed. Stamens 4, in pairs, inserted on the corolla alternate with the lobes, sometimes 1 or more reduced to staminodes; anthers dithecal, opening by longitudinal slits. Ovary superior, 2-carpellate, placentation axile; pubescent; ovules 4; style filiform, simple; stigma 2-lobed or capitate.

Fruit: Capsules with two cells; usually dehiscing explosively; capsules ellipsoid to clavate. Seeds 4; on small hooked stalks (modified funiculus) that ejects the seeds from the capsule; embryos usually large; endosperm absent.

Ploidy: 2n = 26; 28; 44; 48; 50; 52

Habitat: Primarily in urban areas or in low elevation disturbed habitats.

Elevation Range:

Historical Distribution

Images

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Accepted Subtaxa (in Hawai'i) (1)

Asystasia gangetica var. gangetica

Uses and Culture

USES

Natural History

Statewide Status

Naturalized

Island Status

Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll) Naturalized
Kaua'i Naturalized
O'ahu Naturalized
Molokai Naturalized
Lana'i Naturalized
Maui Naturalized
Hawai'i Naturalized

Dispersal Agents


Vegetative Reproduction

Pollinators

Notes

  • Description digitized by Pumehana Imada
  • Native to India, Malay Peninsula, and Africa, grown as a ground cover; in Hawai‘i cultivated and commonly becoming naturalized, primarily in urban areas or in low elavation, disturbed habitats.

Bibliography

Name Published In: G.H.K.Thwaites, Enum. Pl. Zeyl.: 235 (1860)

Other References

Wagner et al. 1990:168 (Mi, K, O, Mo, M); Oppenheimer & Bartlett 2000:1 (H); Staples & Herbst 2005:81 (KEY), 82 (DESCR); Oppenheimer 2007:18 (L); Starr & Starr 2008/Lamoureux 2310 HAW (Mi†, 1962)

Wagner, W. L., Herbst, D. R., & Sohmer, S. H. (1999). Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawai'i, Vols. 1 and 2 (No. Edn 2). University of Hawai'i and Bishop Museum Press.

Occurrences

SNo. Scientific Name Locality Habitat Basis of Record Description Recorded By Record Number Island Source Date
1 Asystasia gangetica Kalihi Valley Preserved_Specimen Shrub; leaves heart shape, flower in cluster, violet. Higuchi, G.T. 4 Oahu BISH 1971-04-26
2 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu, Univ. Hawaii campus Preserved_Specimen Vine-like border plant; flower violet. St.John, H. 10512 Oahu BISH 1930-04-28
3 Asystasia gangetica Kihei, road to airport Conspicuous in patches along the roadside. Preserved_Specimen Norris, F.M. 91.71 Maui BISH 1991-03-06
4 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu, Univ. of Hawaii campus Preserved_Specimen Low vinelike plant. Flowers lavender with whitish throat. Fosberg, F.R. 8830 Oahu BISH 1932-09-15
5 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu, Kamehameha Girls' School Preserved_Specimen Judd Jr., A.F. Oahu BISH 1937-09-25
6 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu, 42 Coelho Way Preserved_Specimen Persistent weed or ornamental, creeping and climbing; flowers purple-violet, throat white, 4 stamens joined in pairs about halfway; fruit capsuel 4-seeded. Neal, M.C. Oahu BISH 1944-12-16
7 Asystasia gangetica E end of island Preserved_Specimen Uehara, S. 5 Molokai BISH 1961-04-11
8 Asystasia gangetica Paiko Lagoon, Kuliouou Preserved_Specimen Lamoureux, C.H. 1566 Oahu BISH 1960-11-25
9 Asystasia gangetica Laie, BYU-Hawaii campus; front of Technology Building Preserved_Specimen A vigorous vine; an almost continuous succession of handsome flowers; flower pinkish-purple, narrow, bell-shaped. Tiu, C. 61 Oahu BISH 1975-03-22
10 Asystasia gangetica Kailua, Kawainui Marsh. 1/2 mi W of Pali Hwy on Quarry Rd Common near rd. Preserved_Specimen Flowers purple. Smith, L.B. 49 Oahu BISH 1976-01-12
11 Asystasia gangetica Ewa Beach Preserved_Specimen Char, W.P. 147 Oahu BISH 1982-01-30
12 Asystasia gangetica Manoa, Hyde St Preserved_Specimen Caum, E.L. Oahu BISH 1929-04-11
13 Asystasia gangetica Kaena Point Keawaula Section. Mountain side of trail. Leucaena leucocephala overstory with Santalum ellipticum, Urochloa maxima, Chloris sp., Preserved_Specimen White and purple flowers. Kennedy, B. 136 Oahu BISH 2021-01-24
14 Asystasia gangetica Captain Cook, Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden Widespread in Kona. Preserved_Specimen Perennial scandent herb crawling in and out of vegetation. Leaves sparsely strigillose; flowers zygomorphic, white or purple with yellow base, lobes 5, spreading. Fruits clavate capsule with beak, 1 or 2 lobed. Starr, F. 4093 Hawaii BISH 2000-04-09
15 Asystasia gangetica Mouth of Niu Stream Common and well-established on road embankment. Preserved_Specimen Dense prostrate herb; corolla with limb and upper side of throat purple, lower side yellow and plicate. Fosberg, F.R. 27119 Oahu BISH 1946-10-19
16 Asystasia gangetica Kahuku, between coast and wildlife refuge In sandy soil. Spreads up fences and over plants to 6'. Preserved_Specimen Small perennial herb. Smith, M. 31 Oahu BISH 1986-04-04
17 Asystasia gangetica Kaluakoa Point Occasional along coastal trail. Preserved_Specimen White-flowered form also observed. Oppenheimer, H.L. 100636 Lanai BISH 2006-10-20
18 Asystasia gangetica North Kona Distr., Kailua-Kona Roadside weed along Ali'i Drive. Preserved_Specimen Purple flowered form. Oppenheimer, H.L. 119820 Hawaii BISH 1998-11-28
19 Asystasia gangetica Kekepa, Oahu. On north part of island Mixed in with native on north part of island. Preserved_Specimen Occasional to common. Getting a foothold. Starr, F. 504181 Oahu BISH 2005-04-18
20 Asystasia gangetica Haiku, Kulike Rd., Trail to Pilale Bay. Mesic to wet lowland vegetation, predominantly Acacia confusa. Preserved_Specimen Patches along trail under tree canopy. Also along road. Naturalized. Starr, F. 22011001 Maui BISH 2022-01-10
21 Asystasia gangetica Koolau Mountains, Pia Gulch in Niu Valley; collections made in left=hand gulch between junction with right-hand gulch and the large waterfall Along trail. Preserved_Specimen Herb less than 0.5 m tall; flowers lavender-blue. Sohmer, S.H. 11948 Oahu BISH 1983-11-27
22 Asystasia gangetica Kuliouou, W side of Maunalua Bay Sandspit. Wayside escape. Preserved_Specimen Egler, F.E. 37176 Oahu BISH 1937-03-19
23 Asystasia gangetica East Maui, Hana District, Kauiki, on the E side of Hana Bay, along summit trail from cemetery Common along summit trail; dominated by Casuarina planted in late 1930's but with numerous other alien species (Terminalia, Syzygium, Ardisia). Preserved_Specimen Herb of 2'; corolla lobes purple, throat yellow-white, tube pale purple with whitish-green streaking. Flynn, T.W. 2508 Maui BISH 1987-10-21
24 Asystasia gangetica Poipu, Waiohai ~25 acre vacent lot Preserved_Specimen sprawling herb; flower purple white; stem square Dunn, L. 301 Kauai BISH 2003-10-02
25 Asystasia gangetica Kiahuna Plantation Village, Poipu hedge, beach side garden; Scaevola sericea hedge Preserved_Specimen creeping; intertwined with naupaka; stem woody; flowers from purple to yellow Trauernicht, C. 194 Kauai BISH 2007-10-12
26 Asystasia gangetica Former Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Northern Trap & Skeet Range, Outplanting site Prosopis pallida, Verbesina enceloides (779228), and Cenchrus ciliaris Preserved_Specimen Crawling herb. BISH staff 10 Oahu BISH 2021-04-28
27 Asystasia gangetica Kaena Point. Along trail from the Mokuleia side. Along coast, at old rusted gate. With Sporobolus virginicus, Euphorbia non native species, Setaria parviflora, Chloris cf. barbata, Emilia fosbergii, Erythrina sandwicensis. Preserved_Specimen Flowers mostly white or lavender. Kennedy, B. 78 Oahu BISH 2018-12-02
28 Asystasia gangetica Halawa. End of road to Halawa Bay In open grassland. Preserved_Specimen Herb to sub-shrub with blue-violet flowers. Herbst, D.R. 5745 Molokai BISH 1976-03-10
29 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu Planted. Preserved_Specimen Degener, O. 19538 Oahu BISH 1949-03-05
30 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu, Lanipo Trail Common along trail. Preserved_Specimen Erect herb, 18 inches ht, flowers tubular, purple. Kennedy, B. 14 Oahu BISH 1995-11-21
31 Asystasia gangetica Manele Bay, coastal trail heading S towards Hulopoe Bay Small dry, rocky gulch leading into a boulder beach along the coast, sparsely vegetated by alien weeds. Preserved_Specimen Dried up shrub. Lanai Conservation Internship Program 1 Lanai BISH 2005-07-07
32 Asystasia gangetica Kalaupapa, peninsula, E side of field across from Catholic cemetery open grass, over rocks Preserved_Specimen trailing herb; purple flower Wysong, M.L. 824 Molokai BISH 2005-12-02
33 Asystasia gangetica North Kona Distr., Kailua-Kona Roadside weed along Ali'i drive. Preserved_Specimen White flowered form. Oppenheimer, H.L. 119821 Hawaii BISH 1998-11-28
34 Asystasia gangetica Kahului, off Beach Rd Associated with Atriplex, Ipomoea, grasses. Preserved_Specimen Crawling herb. Flowers white-purple. Ishikawa, S. 364 Maui BISH 1973-12-03
35 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu District: Koko Head; Nonoula and Ihiihilauakea Craters, and along slopes of Kuamookane ridge Beneath Prosopis pallida. Preserved_Specimen Thick undergrowth. Bruegmann, M.M. 113 Oahu BISH 1985-01-17
36 Asystasia gangetica Near Koko Head, Hawaiiloa Ridge, makai end (W side) Along highway, under kiawe, with Malvastrum and Setaria verticillata. Preserved_Specimen Egler, F.E. 3729 Oahu BISH 1937-06-15
37 Asystasia gangetica Kolekole Volcanic ash. Sunny. Preserved_Specimen Cacti. Loyd, L. 4 Oahu BISH 1977-03-30
38 Asystasia gangetica Bishop Museum, at the YMCA fence Supported by a fence and shrubbery. Preserved_Specimen Subshrub up to 1.5 m high; corolla cream with tinges or rose on the outside of the tube. Flower not fragrant (at noon). Lau, J. 1105 Oahu BISH 1985-06-17
39 Asystasia gangetica Huelo, W. Waipio Rd.. Mesic to wet lowland vegetation, Sphagneticola, mango.. Preserved_Specimen Scattered along roadside. Starr, F. 22011002 Maui BISH 2022-01-10
40 Asystasia gangetica Kailua, West side of Kawainui Marsh Common on slopes under trees; dry ground above edge of swamp. Preserved_Specimen Decumbent, flowering, flowers purple and white, two forms. Fosberg, F.R. 57424 Oahu BISH 1978-03-28
41 Asystasia gangetica Lanikai, near Mid-Pacific Country Club Under Prosopis chilensis. Preserved_Specimen Purple-flowered ground cover, 1-3' tall, pure colonies. Hutchison, P.C. 2822 Oahu BISH 1967-01-14
42 Asystasia gangetica Laie, Tempel Beach In coral sand. Preserved_Specimen Small perennial herb. Lee, J. 10 Oahu BISH 1981-11-10
43 Asystasia gangetica Kaloko. Ahupuaa of Waimanalo. Southern Koolau mountains. Growing on eroded slope with Leucaena leucocephala, Sida fallax, Jacquemontia sandwicensis, Eragrostis brownii, Cenchrus ciliaris, and others. Preserved_Specimen Thomas, M.K. 811 Oahu BISH 2024-10-17
44 Asystasia gangetica Koolau Poko District; Mokapu Peninsula Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, Pyramid Rock Beach Abundant, especially in protected areas such as on the mauka side of Scaevola thickets. Preserved_Specimen Procumbent herb w/blue or pale cream colored flws. Herbst, D.R. 9732 Oahu BISH 1995-12-05
45 Asystasia gangetica Mouth of Niu Stream, on road embankment Common, well-established. Preserved_Specimen Dense rpostrate herb; corolla limb and upper side of throat purple, lower side yellow and plicate. Fosberg, F.R. 27119 Oahu BISH 1946-10-19
46 Asystasia gangetica Kailua, Kawainui Marsh Along Quarry Rd. Preserved_Specimen Smith, L.B. 158 Oahu BISH 1976-08-06
47 Asystasia gangetica Koko Head, Oahu, HI Growing in open field with Marsilea villosa, Echinochloa colona, Cynodon dactylon, Emilia sp., Chloris barbata, Hyptis pectinata, Merremia aegyptia, Verbesina encelioides, Sonchus oleraceus, Setaria verticillata. Preserved_Specimen Rambling herb, with white to purple, zygomorphic flowers, opposite lvs with purple margin. Crago, L.M. 2005129 Oahu BISH 2005-03-25
48 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu, Univ. of Hawaii campus In fencerows and flower beds. Preserved_Specimen Trailing herb. Woolford, H.A. 308 Oahu BISH 1956-01-24
49 Asystasia gangetica Makakilo Gulch Growing along banks of a small stream. Preserved_Specimen Flowers varied in color, white, pink, and purple. Leu, M. 71 Oahu BISH 1987-12-04
50 Asystasia gangetica Burns Field, across from Port Allen Preserved_Specimen Flowers lilac or white. Flynn, T.W. 715 Kauai BISH 1984-01-04
51 Asystasia gangetica Hanauma Bay, Koko Head 50 m rocky coast. Shrubbery of mainly Leucaena. Preserved_Specimen Weak shrub; corolla tube greenish white; lobes bluish purple. van Balgooy, M.M.J. 4147 Oahu BISH 1982-05-27
52 Asystasia gangetica Kawaihau District, land of Kealia, Kealia Town Preserved_Specimen Scandent herb to sub-shrub with whtish flowers. Herbst, D.R. 5681 Kauai BISH 1976-02-25
53 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu, Univ. Hawaii campus Preserved_Specimen Creeping border plant; flower white beneath, tube yellowish albino. St.John, H. 10513 Oahu BISH 1930-04-28
54 Asystasia gangetica Lanikai, Popoia Island Preserved_Specimen Herbst, D.R. 6032 Oahu BISH 1978-02-07
55 Asystasia gangetica Bishop Museum Preserved_Specimen sprawling stem; flower secund; corolla 3.3-4 cm long; tube whitish with pinkish flush on upper surface; limb 2-lipped, cream, white or violet; lobes 1-1.5 cm, ~orbicular Sykes, W.R. 24289 Oahu BISH 1989-03-30
56 Asystasia gangetica Laie, BYU-Hawaii campus; Married Student Housing Preserved_Specimen A perennial ornamental vine; flowers are clustered at the top of the stalk. Gilmore, M.A. 3 Oahu BISH 1977-04-04
57 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu, Univ. of Hawaii-Manoa campus Preserved_Specimen Trailing herb with light violet flowers. Herbst, D.R. 552 Oahu BISH 1967-08-29
58 Asystasia gangetica Mokuauia Islet, Oahu Preserved_Specimen common in interior, especially the southwest end. Starr, F. 5022224 Oahu BISH 2007-02-22
59 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu, Ualakaa St., grounds of G. P. Wilder's residence Preserved_Specimen Herb 30 +/- cm high; flower blue (on some plants light yellow). Wilder, G.P. 1276 Oahu BISH 1925-11-13
60 Asystasia gangetica Honolulu, Univ. Hawaii-Manoa campus Preserved_Specimen Prostrate & climbing herb; flowers light purple. Swarbrick, J.T. 35 Oahu BISH 1976-01-04
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