Ruellia inflata is a distinctive species from central/western South America by its vining habit, its disproportionately large red flowers with long-exserted reproductive parts, and in some individuals, its ant domatia (see photo). That’s right – ant homes are not just for Acacia and Tibouchina. Acanths make them, too!

Not vouchered, Bolivia; Photo 1 by Alexander Schmidt-Lebuhn

Voucher unknown, Bolivia; Photo 2 by Erin Tripp