Common Name: Monkey Plant / Trailing Velvet Plant
Latin Name: Ruellia makoyana
Family Name: Acanthaceae
Geographical Range: Native to Brazil, specifically in tropical forests, but commonly grown as a houseplant worldwide.
Fun Fact: The flowers of this plant only last for a single day, but the plant blooms in large amounts so it displays flowers over a long period.
Uses by people: Mainly used as an ornamental plant due to its ability to thrive indoors and its unique appearance.
Uses by animals: In its native environment, the plant’s flowers provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Its dense foliage may also offer shelter for small insects and animals.
Roles in their ecosystem: Serves as a source of nectar and habitat, contributing to the survival of pollinators. It also helps maintain soil stability in its native forest floor environment by reducing erosion with its spreading root system.
