Acanthaceae

Avicenniaceae

Acanthus L.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 9 April 2026
  1. Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl, Symb. Bot. (Vahl) 2 (1791) 75; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 479; Cortez et al., Check List 19 (2023) 986; Sitoy & Buenavista, Reinwardtia 23 (2024) 5. Distribution: Andaman Isls, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Java, Lesser Sunda Isls, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, New Guinea, Pacific Ocean, Philippines, Solomon Isls, Thailand, Vietnam. BALABAC, CABUG, CAGAYAN DE SULU, DAMMAI, GUIMARAS, JOLO, LEYTE, LUZON: Quezon, Sorsogon, MINDANAO: Agusan, Agusan del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Surigao, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur (photos), MINDORO, NEGROS, PALAWAN, PANAY, SAMAR, SIARGAO, SIBUYAN. Notes: Along tidal streams, inland borders of mangroves within the influence of salt or brackish water. 0-69m (photos). Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). Native.
  2. Acanthus ilicifolius L., Sp. Pl., 1st Ed. (1753) 639; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 441; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 480. = Acanthus doloariu Blanco, Fl. Filip., 1st Ed. (1837) 487; Type: Merrill Species Blancoanae 636 (US, illustrative specimen), Luzon: Manila, Oct-1913. Distribution: Andaman Isls, Australia, Bangladesh, Bismarck Arch, China, India, Java, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Guinea, Nicobar Isls, Pacific Ocean, Philippines, Singapore, Solomon Isls, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Thailand, Vietnam. BASILAN, GUIMARAS, JOLO, LUZON: Bataan, Batangas (photos), Bulacan, La Union, NCR, Pampanga, Quezon, Rizal, Zambales, MINDANAO: Davao, PANAY, SIBUYAN. Notes: Brackish swamps and tidal streams. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). Native.
  3. Acanthus volubilis Wall., Pl. Asiat. Rar. 2 (1831) 56; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 480; Cortez et al., Check List 19 (2023) 986. Distribution: Andaman Isls, Bangladesh, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Nicobar Isls, Philippines, Thailand. BASILAN, MINDORO, PANAY, SAMAR, SIARGAO, SIBUYAN. Notes: Brackish swamps and tidal streams. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). Native.

Andrographis Wall. ex Nees (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser & John Edward Matulina Villasis, 29 December 2025
  1. Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Wall. ex Nees, Pl. Asiat. Rar. 3 (1832) 116; ≡ Justicia paniculata Burm.f., Fl. Ind. (N. L. Burman) (1768) 9. Distribution: India, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Nepal, Pacific Ocean, Sri Lanka, Vietnam. BOHOL, BORACAY, CEBU, HUNDRED ISLS (photos), LUZON: Batangas, NCR, Rizal (photos), MINDANAO: Davao del Norte, Misamis Oriental (photos), MINDORO (photos), NEGROS, PALAWAN, PANAY, SIBUYAN. Naturalized.

Aphelandra R.Br. (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 5 April 2021
  1. Aphelandra sinclairiana Nees, Bot. Voy. Sulphur (Bentham) (1846) 146. Distribution: C America. LUZON: Laguna (photos). Notes: Naturalized along the trails on Mt Makiling (C.C. Lucañas, pers. comm. 5-Apr-21). Naturalized.

Asystasia Blume (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 30 April 2026
  1. Asystasia gangetica (L.) T.Anderson, Enum. Pl. Zeyl. (1860) 235; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 480; Kiew & Vollesen, Kew Bull. 52 (1997) 969; ≡ Justicia gangetica L., Cent. Pl. II (1756) 3; Type: from India. Distribution: Africa, Andaman Isls, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Lesser Sunda Isls, Madagascar, Middle East, Myanmar, New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam. LUZON: Aurora (photos), Rizal (photos), Zambales (photos), MINDORO (photos). Naturalized.
    • ssp. gangetica. Distribution: Andaman Isls, Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Lesser Sunda Isls, Myanmar, New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam. LUZON: Rizal (photos), MINDORO (photos). Naturalized.
    • ssp. micrantha (Nees) Ensermu, Proc. XIII Plenary Meet. (Malawi, 1991) 1 (1994) 343; ≡ Asystasia coromandeliana var. micrantha Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 165. = Asystasia intrusa (Forssk.) Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 166. Distribution: Africa, Madagascar, Middle East. LUZON: Aurora (photos), MINDORO (photos). Naturalized.

Avicennia L.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 9 July 2026
  1. Avicennia alba Blume, Bijdr. fl. Ned. Ind. (1826) 821; Kochummen, Tree Fl. Malaya 3 (1978) 299; ≡ Avicennia marina var. alba (Blume) Bakh., Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg, 3rd Sér. 3 (1921) 103; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 407; Aragones et al., Bot. Identif. Handbook Philip. Mangroves (1998) 104; Primavera et al. (2004) 22. Distribution: Australia, Bangladesh, Bismarck Arch, Borneo, India, Java, Lesser Sunda Isls, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, New Guinea, Pacific Ocean, Philippines, Solomon Isls, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Thailand, Vietnam. MINDANAO: Cotabato, ?Davao Occidental (photos), Lanao, Lanao del Norte (photos), Misamis, Sultan Kudarat (photos), Surigao del Norte, PANAY (photos). Notes: Fairly common along muddy seashores and embankments of river deltas. 0m to 6m (photos). Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). Native.
  2. Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh., Denkschr. Kaiserl. Akad. Wiss., Wien. Math.-Naturwiss. Kl. 71 (1907) 435; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 407; Kochummen, Tree Fl. Malaya 3 (1978) 300; Aragones et al., Bot. Identif. Handbook Philip. Mangroves (1998) 107; Primavera et al. (2004) 24; Sitoy & Buenavista, Reinwardtia 23 (2024) 5; ≡ Sceura marina Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. (1775) 37. = Avicennia marina var. resinifera (G.Forst.) Bakh., Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg, 3rd Sér. 3 (1921) 104, nom. illeg. ≠ Avicennia resinifera auct. non G.Forst.; Merr., EPFP 3 (1923) 407. Distribution: Africa, Andaman Isls, Australia, Bangladesh, Bismarck Arch, Borneo, China, India, Indian Ocean, Java, Lesser Sunda Isls, Madagascar, Malay Peninsula, Middle East, Moluccas, Myanmar, New Caledonia, New Guinea, New Zealand, Nicobar Isls, Pacific Ocean, Pakistan, Philippines, Ryukyu Isls, Solomon Isls, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Taiwan, Vietnam. BOAAN, BORACAY (photos), CEBU, LUZON: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Camarines Sur, Laguna, NCR, Quezon, Zambales, MINDANAO: Davao, Davao Occidental (photos), Davao Oriental (photos), Davao del Sur, Misamis, Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur, MINDORO, PANAY. Notes: Throughout the Philippines. Along muddy seashores and tidal streams. Rather common. 0m. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). Native.
    • ssp. eucalyptifolia (Valeton) J.Everett, Telopea 5 (1994) 629; ≡ Avicennia eucalyptifolia (Valeton) Zipp. ex Moldenke, Phytologia 7 (1960) 162; Fl. Ind. Bat. 2 (1858-59) 912; Aragones et al., Bot. Identif. Handbook Philip. Mangroves (1998) 107; Fernando & Pancho, Sylvatrop Philip. For. Res. J. 5(3) (1980) 43; ≡ Avicennia officinalis var. eucalyptifolia Valeton, Bull. Dépt. Agric. Indes Néerl. 10 (1907) 53. Distribution: Australia, Lesser Sunda Isls, New Guinea, Pacific Ocean, Philippines, Solomon Isls. Notes: Southern Philippines. Native.
    • ssp. marina. = Avicennia mindanaensis Elmer, LPB 8 (1915) 2868, as 'mindanaense'; Type: Elmer 11990 in part (G, CAL, E, L, W, US, holo), Mindanao. Distribution: Africa, Andaman Isls, Australia, Bangladesh, Borneo, China, India, Java, Lesser Sunda Isls, Madagascar, Malay Peninsula, Middle East, Myanmar, Nicobar Isls, Pakistan, Philippines, Ryukyu Isls, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam. PANAY (photos). Native.
  3. Avicennia officinalis L., Sp. Pl., 1st Ed. (1753) 110; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 408; Kochummen, Tree Fl. Malaya 3 (1978) 300; Aragones et al., Bot. Identif. Handbook Philip. Mangroves (1998) 110; Primavera et al. (2004) 26; Cortez et al., Check List 19 (2023) 986. Distribution: Andaman Isls, Australia, Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China, India, Java, Lesser Sunda Isls, Malay Peninsula, Middle East, Moluccas, Myanmar, New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatra, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam. LUZON: Quezon (photos), PALAWAN, PANAY (photos), SIARGAO. Notes: Throughout the Philippines. In the more inland part of mangroves along riverbanks on firm mud. Becoming rarer on the seaward side. 0m. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). Native.
  4. Avicennia rumphiana Hallier f., Meded. Rijks-Herb. 37 (1918) 89; Primavera et al. (2004) 28; ≡ Avicennia marina var. rumphiana (Hallier f.) Bakh., Bull. Jard. Bot. Buitenzorg, 3rd Sér. 3 (1921) 104; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 407; Fernando & Pancho, Sylvatrop Philip. For. Res. J. 5(3) (1980) 43; Aragones et al., Bot. Identif. Handbook Philip. Mangroves (1998) 110. = Avicennia lanata Ridl., J. Fed. Malay States Mus. 10 (1920) 151; Type: from Singapore and Malay Peninsula. ≠ Avicennia nitida auct. non Jacq.; Blanco, Fl. Filip. (1837) 504. ≠ Avicennia officinalis auct. non L.; Merr., PJS 1 (1906) Suppl. 122; Fl. Manila (1912) 397. ≠ Avicennia tomentosa auct. non Jacq.; Blanco, Fl. Filip. ed. 2 (1845) 353; Fl. Filip. ed. 3 (1878) 289. Distribution: Borneo, Lesser Sunda Isls, Malay Peninsula, Moluccas, New Guinea, Philippines, Singapore, Sulawesi, Talaud Isls. BALABAC, DANJUGAN (photos), MINDANAO: Davao Occidental (photos), Davao Oriental (photos), Sultan Kudarat (photos), Zamboanga del Norte (photos), Zamboanga del Sur (photos), PANAY (photos). Notes: Throughout the Philippines. Common along muddy seashores and mangrove tidal streams. 0m to 6m (photos). Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1). Native.

Barleria L. (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser & John Paul Collantes, 8 August 2020
  1. Barleria prionitis L., Sp. Pl., 1st Ed. (1753) 636; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 437; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 479. Distribution: Africa, Bangladesh, China, India, Indian Ocean, Java, Laos, Lesser Sunda Isls, Madagascar, Malay Peninsula, Middle East, Myanmar, Nicobar Isls, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Thailand, Vietnam. CUYO ARCHIPELAGO, LUZON: Bataan, Bulacan, Laguna, Pangasinan (photos), Rizal, MINDORO, PANAY. Notes: Thickets and waste places in and about towns at low elevation. Observed in Panay by John Edward Matulina Villasis (pers. comm., 28-Dec-25). Naturalized.

Cultivated, not naturalized

  1. Barleria cristata L., Sp. Pl., 1st Ed. (1753) 636; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 437; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 479. Distribution: China, India. Notes: Rather widely cultivated in the Philippines for ornamental purposes but not known to produce seeds. Cultivated, not naturalized.
  2. Barleria lupulina Lindl., Edwards's Bot. Reg. 18 (1832) t.1483; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 436; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 479. Distribution: Madagascar. Cultivated, not naturalized.

Dicliptera Juss.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 2 August 2026
  1. Dicliptera caudatifolia (Merr.) Pelser, Blumea 66 (2021) 97; ≡ Peristrophe caudatifolia Merr., PJS 27 (1925) 54; Merrill, EPFP 4 (1926) 254; Type: Loher 12196 (K, M, PNH, syn), Luzon: Rizal, Montalban, Jul-1908. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya (photos), Rizal. Native.
  2. Dicliptera clarkei Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1689; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 486; Type: Elmer 21585 (BISH, F, GH, MO, NY, US, iso), Palawan: Palawan, Puerto Princesa, Feb-1911. = Peristrophe orbiculata Merr., ined.; Soejarto et al., Prelim. Checklist Fl. Pl. Palawan (1995); Voucher: Merrill Phil. Pl. 1377 (A, NY), Palawan, May-1913. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN. Notes: Forested ridges and along trails through primary forests. (?-)800m. Native.
  3. Dicliptera contorta (Blanco) Merr., Sp. Blancoanae (1918) 355; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 486; ≡ Ruellia contorta Blanco, Fl. Filip., 1st Ed. (1837) 496; Type: None extant; Merrill Species Blancoanae 802 (US, illustrative specimen may be designated as neotype), Luzon: Batangas, Bauan, Feb-1915. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. GUIMARAS, LUZON: Batangas, Bulacan, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, MINDANAO: Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Sur, MINDORO, ?NOGAS (photos), PALAWAN, PANAY, SIQUIJOR. Notes: Lowland thickets. Native.
  4. Dicliptera cordatibractea (Merr.) Pelser, Blumea 66 (2021) 97; ≡ Peristrophe cordatibractea Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 455; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 484; Type: BS 39392 Ramos (K, P, PNH lost, US, iso), Mindoro: Mindoro Occidental, Mt Calavite, along streams in primary forest, c. 700m, Apr-1921. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDORO. Notes: This is a different taxon than Dicliptera cordibracteata I.Darbysh. Low to medium elevation forests along streams. 700m. Native.
  5. Dicliptera lancifolia (Merr.) Pelser, Blumea 66 (2021) 97; ≡ Peristrophe lancifolia Merr., PJS 5c (1910) 229; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 484; Type: FB 19258 Curran (K, NY, PNH lost, US, iso), Luzon: Bataan, Balanga Mtns, Jan-1910. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Abra (photos), Bataan, Quezon, Zambales. Notes: Low elevation forests. 700m (photos). Native.
  6. Dicliptera leonotis Dalzell ex C.B.Clarke, Fl. Brit. India 4 (1885) 553; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 435; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 486. Distribution: India, Philippines. LUZON: Bataan (photos), Ilocos Norte, Mountain Province, NCR, Pangasinan, Rizal. Notes: Lowland thickets, ascending to 1200m in Mountain Province. (?-)1200m. Conservation status: Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1). Native.
  7. Dicliptera paniculata (Forssk.) I.Darbysh., Kew Bull. 62 (2007) 122; ≡ Peristrophe paniculata (Forssk.) Brummitt, Kew Bull. 38 (1983) 451; Hu et al., Fl. China 19 (2011) 464; ≡ Dianthera paniculata Forssk., Fl. Aegypt.-Arab. (1775) 7. Distribution: Africa, Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Java, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam. LUZON: Ilocos Sur. Notes: P.B. Pelser & J.P. Collantes (8-Aug-2020): recorded presence in the Philippines might be based on Iwatsuki et al. 949 (L). Native.
  8. Dicliptera tinctoria (Nees) Kostel., Allg. Med.-Pharm. Fl. 3 (1834) 937; ≡ Dicliptera sivarajanii Karthik. & Moorthy, Fl. Pl. India (2009) 12, nom. illeg., nom. superfl.; ≡ Peristrophe tinctoria Nees, Pl. Asiat. Rar. 3 (1832) 113; ≡ Justicia tinctoria Roxb., Fl. Ind. (Carey & Wallich) 1 (1820) 124, nom. illeg. = Peristrophe bivalvis (L.) Merr., Interpr. Herb. Amboin. (1917) 476; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 484; Hu & Daniel, Fl. China 19 (2011) 46; ≡ Justicia bivalvis L., Syst. Nat., 10th Ed. 2 (1759) 850. = Peristrophe roxburghiana (Schult.) Bremek., Acta Bot. Neerl. 5 (1955) 656; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 674; ≡ Justicia roxburghiana Schult., Mant. (Schultes) 1 (1822) 140. Distribution: China, India, Java, Malay Peninsula, Philippines, Taiwan. BOHOL, CORON, LEYTE, LUZON: Benguet, Mountain Province, MINDANAO: Lanao, Surigao, MINDORO (photos), PALAWAN, SIASI. Notes: Coconut groves and thickets at low and medium elevation, often cultivated or semi-cultivated in S Philippines, in Benguet ascending to 1600m. The name Dicliptera roxburghiana is occupied by Dicliptera roxburghiana Nees. The name Dicliptera bivalvis is occupied by Dicliptera bivalvis Juss. Native.

Elytraria Michx. (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 29 December 2025
  1. Elytraria imbricata (Vahl) Pers., Syn. Pl. (Pers.) 1 (1805) 23; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 468; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 24; ≡ Justicia imbricata Vahl, Eclog. Amer. 1 (1797) 1. = Elytraria amara Blanco, Fl. Filip., 2nd Ed. (1845) 8; Type: Merrill Species Blancoanae 362 (US, illustrative specimen), Luzon: Manila, Dec-1915. = Elytraria tridentata Vahl, Enum. Pl. (Vahl) 1 (1804) 107; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 435. Distribution: Neotropics. LUZON: Batangas, Camarines, Cavite, Ilocos Norte, Pampanga, Rizal, PANAY. Notes: In and about towns at low elevation, in open waste places, dry thickets, etc. Observed in Panay by John Edward Matulina Villasis (pers. comm., 28-Dec-25). Naturalized.

Graptophyllum Nees (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 29 May 2021

Cultivated, not naturalized

  1. Graptophyllum pictum (L.) Griff., Not. Pl. Asiat. 4 (1854) 139; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 439; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 481; ≡ Justicia picta L., Sp. Pl., 2nd Ed. (1762) 21. Distribution: New Guinea. Notes: Old World tropics, introduced in the neotropics. L.L.Co: Apparently introduced in the Philippines where two forms occur, one with dark purple leaves, and one with green leaves blotched with white. Neither is known to produce seeds. Cultivated, not naturalized.

Gymnostachyum Nees

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser & Joaquin Almoro, 9 August 2026
  1. Gymnostachyum affine Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 94; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 480; Type: Cuming 1719, Samar. Distribution: Philippines, Vietnam. BASILAN, BOHOL, LUZON: Abra, Bataan, Bulacan, Ifugao, Pampanga, Pangasinan, MINDANAO: Lanao, Lanao del Norte, Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Sur, MINDORO, PALAWAN, PANAY (photos), SAMAR. Notes: 61m to 300m (photos). Native.
    • var. affine. Distribution: SAMAR. Notes: Lowland forests. Native.
    • var. loheri C.B.Clarke, EPFP 3 (1923) 480, nom. inval., nom. nud. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BASILAN, LUZON: Abra, Bataan, Bulacan, Ifugao, Pampanga, Pangasinan, MINDANAO: Lanao, Zamboanga. Notes: Lowland primary forests. Native.
  2. Gymnostachyum cumingianum Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 94; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 481; Type: Cuming 589. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Laguna. Notes: Lowland forests up to 300m. L.L.Co: apparently very rare and local. Native.
  3. Gymnostachyum longispicatum Merr., PJS 17 (1920) 314; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 481; Type: BS 34999 Ramos & Pascasio (US, iso), Siargao, Jun-1918. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. CEBU, MINDANAO: Surigao del Norte, SIARGAO. Notes: Lowland thickets or forests. Native.
  4. Gymnostachyum palawanense Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1701; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 481; ≡ Staurogyne palawanensis (Elmer) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 113; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 40; Type: Elmer 12741 (BISH, NY, US, iso), Palawan: Palawan, Puerto Princesa, Mt Pulgar (=Thumb Peak), Mar-1911. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN. Notes: Lowlands, deforested areas. DAO category: Vulnerable. Native.
  5. Gymnostachyum pictum Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1700; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 481; Type: Elmer 13182 (F, NY, iso), Palawan. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN. Notes: Forested ravines along streams, c. 750m. DAO category: Vulnerable. Native.
  6. Gymnostachyum spiciforme (Elmer) Merr., PJS 17 (1920) 314; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 481; ≡ Justicia spiciformis Elmer, LPB 1 (1908) 349; Type: Elmer 7347 (NY, iso), Leyte: Palo, Jan-1906. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LEYTE, MINDORO. Notes: Lowland forests. Native.
  7. Gymnostachyum trichosepalum Merr., PJS 27 (1925) 54; Merrill, EPFP 4 (1926) 254; Type: Loher 13484, Luzon: Rizal, Paningtingan, Mar-1915. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Rizal. Notes: L.L.Co: Known only from the type collection. Native.

Hemigraphis Nees.

Incertae sedis

  1. Hemigraphis decipiens (Nees) Fern.-Vill., Fl. Filip., 3rd Ed. 4(Nov. App.) (1880) 153; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 471; ≡ Ruellia decipiens Nees, Pl. Asiat. Rar. 3 (1832) 83; Type: Haenke s.n. (GZU), Luzon: Sorsogon. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Sorsogon. Notes: P.B. Pelser (12-May-20): Type specimen is incomplete, but it is not Strobilanthes (Deng Yunfei, pers. comm. 11-May-20). Native.
  2. Hemigraphis luzona (Nees) Fern.-Vill., Fl. Filip., 3rd Ed. 4(Nov. App.) (1880) 153; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 472; ≡ Ruellia luzona Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 151; Type: Haenke s.n. (GZU), Luzon. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON. Notes: P.B. Pelser (12-May-20): Type specimen is incomplete, but it is not Strobilanthes (Deng Yunfei, pers. comm. 11-May-20). Native.

Hygrophila R.Br.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 24 May 2026
  1. Hygrophila corymbosa (Blume) Lindau, Fragm. Fl. Philipp. (1904) 38; ≡ Nomaphila corymbosa Blume, Bijdr. fl. Ned. Ind. (1826) 804; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 470. Distribution: Malay Peninsula, Philippines. LUZON: Pampanga, MINDANAO: Misamis, SAMAR. Notes: Open rather wet places, apparently rare and local in the Philippines. Native.
  2. Hygrophila erecta (Burm.f.) Hochr., Candollea 5 (1934) 230; Hu et al., Fl. China 19 (2011) 431; Chowdhury & Das, Pleione 8 (2014) 208; ≡ Ruellia erecta Burm.f., Fl. Ind. (N. L. Burman) (1768) 135. Distribution: Andaman Isls, Bangladesh, China, India, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam. CEBU, LEYTE, LUZON: Ilocos Norte, Laguna, Quezon, MINDANAO: Maguindanao del Norte, PANAY. Notes: 0-50m. Native.
  3. Hygrophila phlomoides Nees, Pl. Asiat. Rar. 3 (1832) 80; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 442; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 469. Distribution: India to Malay Peninsula and Java. LUZON: Bulacan, Laguna, NCR, Pangasinan, Rizal, Zambales. Notes: Lowlands, in open grasslands, fallow rice paddies, etc. Native.
  4. Hygrophila quadrivalvis (Buch.-Ham.) Nees, Pl. Asiat. Rar. 3 (1832) 80; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 469; ≡ Ruellia quadrivalvis Buch.-Ham., Trans. Linn. Soc. London, 1st Ser. 14 (1824) 291. Distribution: Borneo, India to Indochina, Java, Malay Peninsula, Philippines. LUZON: Bulacan, Rizal. Notes: Low and medium elevation open grasslands, fallow rice paddies, etc. L.L.Co: Apparently very close to Hygrophila phlomoides Nees. P.B. Pelser (8-Aug-2020): Included as a synonym of Hygrophila erecta in Plants of the World online (plantsoftheworldonline.org), but the source of this taxonomic conclusion is unclear. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1). Native.
  5. Hygrophila ringens (L.) R.Br. ex Spreng., Syst. Veg., 16th Ed. 2 (1825) 828; ≡ Hygrophila ringens (L.) R.Br. ex Steud., Nomencl. Bot. (Steudel), 1st Ed. 1 (1821) 418; ≡ Ruellia ringens L., Sp. Pl., 1st Ed. (1753) 635. = Hygrophila salicifolia (Vahl) Nees, Pl. Asiat. Rar. 3 (1832) 81; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 470, as 'salifolia'; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 661; ≡ Ruellia salicifolia Vahl, Symb. Bot. (Vahl) 3 (1794) 84. = Hygrophila angustifolia R.Br., Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. (1810) 479; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 442. = Antirrhinum comintanum Blanco, Fl. Filip., 1st Ed. (1837) 502. Distribution: Andaman Isls, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Borneo, China, Hong Kong, India, Indian Ocean, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicobar Isls, Philippines, Ryukyu Isls, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam. LUZON: Batangas, Cagayan (photos), Rizal, MINDORO, PALMAS, PANAY (photos), SAMAR (photos). Notes: 0-6m. Native.
    • ssp. ringens. Distribution: Andaman Isls, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Borneo, China, Hong Kong, India, Indian Ocean, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicobar Isls, Philippines, Ryukyu Isls, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam. LUZON: Batangas, Rizal. Notes: Open wet places throughout the Philippines (Merrill 1923), especially near the sea. 0m. Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN 3.1, as Hygrophila salicifolia). Native.
  6. Hygrophila stricta (Vahl) Lindau, Nat. Pflanzenfam. (Engler & Prantl) 4(3b) (1895) 297; ≡ Nomaphila stricta (Vahl) Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 84; ≡ Justicia stricta Vahl, Symb. Bot. (Vahl) 2 (1791) 6. Distribution: Java, Philippines. MINDORO, PALAWAN, SAMAR. Notes: Synonym of Hygrophila corymbosa (Blume) Lindau? Native.

Hypoestes R.Br.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser & Joaquin Almoro, 7 May 2026
  1. Hypoestes cinerea C.B.Clarke, Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35 (1906) 89; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 486. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Bataan, Benguet, Bulacan, NCR, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Rizal, MINDORO. Notes: Low and medium elevation primary forests, ascending to 1200m. Native.
  2. Hypoestes confertiflora Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 451; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 487; Type: BS 4756 Ramos (US, iso), Luzon: Zambales, Sta Maria, open places at low elevation, Dec-1907. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Bataan (photos), Zambales. Notes: Open places at low elevation. Native.
  3. Hypoestes cumingiana (Nees) Fern.-Vill., Fl. Filip., 3rd Ed. 4(Nov. App.) (1880) 157; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 487; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 661; ≡ Peristrophe cumingiana Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 498; Type: Cuming 1015. = Hypoestes linearis Elmer, LPB 2 (1908) 517; Type: Elmer 7830 (MO, NY, US, iso), Luzon: Quezon, Lucban, May-1907. Distribution: China, Philippines, Taiwan. LUZON: Abra, Albay, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Laguna, Mountain Province, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal. Notes: Low and medium elevation thickets and forests, often along streams. 1100m (photos). Native.
  4. Hypoestes floribunda R.Br., Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland. (1810) 474; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 487. Distribution: Australia, Bismarck Arch, Borneo, Lesser Sunda Isls, New Guinea, Philippines. LUZON: Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Cavite, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Mountain Province, PALAWAN, PANAY (photos), POLILLO. Notes: Mostly in medium elevation thickets and forests, chiefly along streams. Native.
  5. Hypoestes halconensis Merr., PJS 26 (1925) 490; Merrill, EPFP 4 (1926) 251; Type: BS 40715 Ramos & Edaño (US, iso), Mindoro: Mindoro Occidental, Paluan, Mar-1922. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDORO. Notes: On forested slopes, 1000m. Native.
  6. Hypoestes malaccensis Wight, Icon. Pl. Ind. Orient. (Wight) 4 (1850) t.1555. = Hypoestes laxiflora Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 508; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 487; Type: Cuming 1019 (NY, iso). Distribution: Australia, Java, Malay Peninsula, Moluccas, Philippines. LUZON: Abra, Albay, La Union, Mountain Province, Rizal, Zambales. Notes: Low and medium elevation forests and thickets. Native.
  7. Hypoestes merrillii C.B.Clarke ex Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1697; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 487; Type: Merrill 794, Palawan. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDORO, PALAWAN, SIBUTU. Notes: Lowland forests. DAO category: Other Threatened Species. Native.
  8. Hypoestes mindorensis Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 448; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 487; Type: BS 39702 Ramos (US, iso), Mindoro: Mindoro Occidental, Paluan, dry forests at low elevation, Apr-1921. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDORO. Notes: Lowland dry forests. Native.
  9. Hypoestes palawanensis C.B.Clarke, PJS 1(Suppl.) (1906) 248; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 488; Type: BS 316 Bermejos (NY, US, iso), Palawan, Jan-1906. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Cagayan, PALAWAN. Notes: Low and medium elevation forested talus slopes, forested ridges, etc. ascending to 800m. DAO category: Other Threatened Species. Native.
  10. Hypoestes psilochlamys Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 18; Type: Celastino 4384 (A, U), Luzon: Benguet, Mt Pulog, 2000m, 3-Mar-1948. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Abra (photos), Benguet, Ilocos Norte, MINDORO. Notes: 980m (photos) to 1400-2000m. Native.
  11. Hypoestes subcapitata C.B.Clarke, Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35 (1906) 90; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 488. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Bataan, Pangasinan, Rizal, Zambales, MINDANAO: Davao Oriental. Notes: Low elevation forests near streams. Native.
  12. Hypoestes tenuis Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 450; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 488; Type: FB 16693 Bacani (US, iso), Luzon: Cagayan, between Mision and San Vicente, near the seashore, Mar-1909. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Cagayan, MINDORO. Notes: Near seashore. Native.
  13. Hypoestes vidalii C.B.Clarke, Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35 (1906) 90; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 488. = Hypoestes acutior C.B.Clarke, PJS 1(Suppl.) (1906) 247; Type: BS 62 Foxworthy (NY, US, syn), Luzon: Rizal, Jan-1906. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Cagayan, Isabela, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Quezon, Rizal, MINDANAO: Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Sur, MINDORO. Notes: Low and medium elevation primary forests. Native.
  14. Hypoestes zamboangensis Pelser, Blumea 66 (2021) 97; ≡ Hypoestes axillaris Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 449, nom. illeg., non Benoist; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 486; Type: Merrill 5473 (L, PNH lost, syn), Mindanao: Zamboanga, in shaded ravines at low elevation, 10-Oct-1906. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDANAO: Zamboanga. Native.

Isoglossa Oerst.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 3 August 2025
  1. Isoglossa dichotoma (Hassk.) B.Hansen, Nordic J. Bot. 5 (1985) 10; ≡ Peristrophe dichotoma Hassk., Cat. Hort. Bot. Bogor. (Hasskarl) (1844) 152; Type: from Java. Distribution: Africa, Java, Lesser Sunda Isls, Moluccas, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatra. LUZON: Ilocos Norte, MINDORO. Notes: 500-2300m. Native.
    • var. dichotoma. Distribution: Africa, Java, Lesser Sunda Isls, Moluccas, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatra. LUZON: Ilocos Norte. Native.

Justicia L.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser & Joaquin Almoro, 7 May 2026
  1. Justicia addisoniensis (Elmer) C.M.Gao & Y.F.Deng, Ann. Bot. Fenn. 48 (2011) 92; Tong & Feng, Phytotaxa 483 (2021) 192; ≡ Polytrema addisoniense (Elmer) Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 341; ≡ Calophanoides addisoniensis (Elmer) Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 20; ≡ Hallieracantha addisoniensis (Elmer) Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 457; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 483; ≡ Hypoestes addisoniensis Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1697, as 'addisoniense'; Type: Elmer 12715 (PNH holo; BISH, GH, K, MO, US, iso), Palawan: Brookes Point, Addison’s Peak, Mar-1911. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN, PANAY. Notes: Low elevation thickets and damp ravines along streams. 350m. DAO category: Vulnerable. Native.
  2. Justicia aspera (Nees) Y.Tong & Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 483 (2021) 192; ≡ Adhatoda aspera Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 397; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 490; Type: Cuming 1403 (K, holo), Luzon. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON. Native.
  3. Justicia carnea Lindl., Edwards's Bot. Reg. 17 (1831) t. 1397. Distribution: S America. LUZON: Quezon (photos). Notes: Edmund Capuz (21-Sep-25): Naturalized in Quezon along trails and river banks in Sta. Lucia and Kinabuhayan. Naturalized.
  4. Justicia dispar Merr., PJS 13c (1918) 62; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 489; Tong & Feng, Phytotaxa 483 (2021) 197; ≡ Calophanoides dispar (Merr.) Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 19; Type: BS 26499 Ramos & Edaño (PNH, holo; US, iso), Luzon: Nueva Ecija, Mt Umingan (= Mingan Mtns), Aug/Sep-1916. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Nueva Ecija, MINDORO, PANAY. Notes: Low and medium elevation forests. 100m. Native.
  5. Justicia gendarussa Burm.f., Fl. Ind. (N. L. Burman) (1768) 10; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 436; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 489; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 665; Type: Merrill Species Blancoanae 263 (US, illustrative specimen), Palawan: Taytay, Apr-1913. = Gendarussa vulgaris Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 410. Distribution: India to China, Java, Malay Peninsula, Philippines, Taiwan. BALABAC, BASILAN, BOHOL, CAMIGUIN, CAMIGUIN DE BABUYANES, CORON, CULION, JOLO, LEYTE, LUZON: Albay, Aurora (photos), Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines Sur, Cavite, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Mountain Province, NCR, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Rizal, Zambales, MINDANAO: Agusan del Norte, Cotabato, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Sur, MINDORO, PALAWAN, PANAY. Notes: N Luzon to Palawan and Mindanao, in most islands and provinces. Chiefly along streams at low and medium elevation in both secondary and primary forests, sometimes in thickets in and about towns, rarely planted. Native.
  6. Justicia loheri C.B.Clarke, Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35 (1906) 91; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 489; Tong & Feng, Phytotaxa 483 (2021) 197; ≡ Calophanoides loheri (C.B.Clarke) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 45 (1948) 58; Type: Loher 4246 (K, lecto; US, isolecto), Luzon: Benguet, Mt Santo Tomas, Jun-1904. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. CATANDUANES, LUZON: Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines, Camarines Sur, Ilocos Norte, NCR, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Zambales, PANAY, SAMAR, SIBUYAN. Notes: Damp shaded ravines along small streams at low and medium elevation, also in mossy forests up to 2000m. Native.
  7. Justicia luzonensis C.B.Clarke, Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35 (1906) 91; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 489; ≡ Rhaphidospora luzonensis (C.B.Clarke) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 45 (1948) 49. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BOHOL, CATANDUANES, LEYTE, LUZON: Bataan, Cagayan, Camarines Sur (photos), Ifugao, Isabela, Laguna, Quezon, Rizal, Sorsogon, Zambales, MINDANAO: Surigao del Norte, MINDORO, PANAY, SAMAR. Notes: Low and medium elevation forests, often along streams. Native.
  8. Justicia procumbens L., Sp. Pl., 1st Ed. (1753) 15; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 436; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 490; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 665; ≡ Rostellularia procumbens (L.) Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 371. Distribution: Andaman Isls, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indian Ocean, Japan, Java, Korea, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Ryukyu Isls, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Vietnam. BATANES, LUZON: Bataan, Benguet, Cagayan, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Mountain Province, NCR, Nueva Vizcaya, Rizal, MINDANAO, MINDORO, PALAWAN. Notes: Batanes and N Luzon to Mindanao, in most islands and provinces. Open waste places at low and medium elevation. Native.
  9. Justicia pulgarensis (Elmer) C.M.Gao & Y.F.Deng, J. Trop. Subtrop. Bot. 18 (2010) 257; Tong & Feng, Phytotaxa 483 (2021) 204; ≡ Calophanoides pulgarensis (Elmer) Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 11; ≡ Hallieracantha elmeri Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 457; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 484; ≡ Polytrema pulgarense (Elmer) Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 342; ≡ Hypoestes pulgarense Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1698; Type: Elmer 12785 (PNH, holo; BISH, BM, F, GH, K, MO, NY, P, U, US, iso), Palawan: Mt Pulgar, Mar-1911. = Ptyssiglottis elmeri Merr. in DENR, Administrative Order DAO-2017 (2017). Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN. Notes: 90m. DAO category: Vulnerable. Native.
  10. Justicia ramosii (Quisumb. & Merr.) Y.Tong & Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 483 (2021) 204; ≡ Hallieracantha ramosii Quisumb. & Merr., PJS 37 (1928) 199; Type: BS 46352 Ramos (PNH, holo; BM, BRI-AQ, K, NY, P, SING, US, iso), Mindoro: Mindoro Oriental, Pinaligpigan near Puerto Galera, forested slopes, c. 1000m, 9-Dec-1925. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDORO, PALAWAN. Notes: 1000m. Native.
  11. Justicia scandens Vahl, Symb. Bot. (Vahl) 2 (1791) 7; ≡ Justicia glabra J.Koenig ex Roxb., Fl. Ind. (Carey & Wallich) 1 (1820) 132; Roxb., Hort. Beng. (1814) 4, nom. inval., nom. nud.; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 489. Distribution: Africa, India, Madagascar, Malaysia, Philippines, Sri Lanka. GUIMARAS, LEYTE, LUZON: Ilocos Norte, Laguna, Quezon, MINDORO, PANAY. Notes: Low and medium elevation thickets and forests. Native.
  12. Justicia sulitii Y.Tong & Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 483 (2021) 204; ≡ Calophanoides pubescens Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 19; Type: Sulit PNH 8573 (PNH, holo; U, iso), Luzon: Batangas, Mt Lobo, c. 350m, 28-Oct-1946. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Batangas. Notes: 350m. Native.
  13. Justicia tenuis Merr., PJS 4c (1909) 321; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 490; Type: FB 15536 Merritt & Darling (NY, syn), Luzon: Ilocos Norte, Nov-1908. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Ilocos Norte. Notes: Open places at low elevation. Native.
  14. Justicia vidalii C.B.Clarke, PJS 1(Suppl.) (1906) 248; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 490; ≡ Rhyticalymma vidalii (C.B.Clarke) Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 12; Type: BS 288 J. Bermejos (GH, NY, iso), Palawan, Jan-1905. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BALABAC, PALAWAN, PANAY. Notes: Lowland forests. Native.

Cultivated, not naturalized

  1. Justicia brandegeeana Wassh. & L.B.Sm., Fl. Ilustr. Catarin. 1 (1966) 102; ≡ Drejerella guttata (Brandegee) Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 14; ≡ Beloperone guttata Brandegee, Univ. Calif. Publ. Bot. 4 (1912) 278. Distribution: N & C America. Cultivated, not naturalized.

Lepidagathis Willd.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser & Joaquin Almoro, 25 May 2026
  1. Lepidagathis amaranthoides Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1695; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 476; Type: Elmer 12615 (US, iso), Palawan: Brooks Point, Addison Peak, Feb-1911. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BUSUANGA, LEYTE, MINDANAO: Davao, Davao Oriental, MINDORO, PALAWAN. Notes: Lowland forests. DAO category: Other Threatened Species. Native.
  2. Lepidagathis boholensis Y.S.Liang, S.T.Geng, Evangel. & J.C.Wang, Phytotaxa 252 (2016) 131; Type: BS 43317 Ramos (PNH, holo, lost; UC, lecto; BO, K, isolecto), Bohol: Sevilla River, on rocks along mountain streams, c. 300m, Sep-1923. ≠ Lepidagathis stenophylla auct. non C.B.Clarke ex Hayata; Merr., PJS 29 (1926) 486. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BOHOL. Notes: Low elevation streams subject to periodic flash-flooding. DAO category: Other Threatened Species. Native.
  3. Lepidagathis cinerea Merr., PJS 5c (1910) 387; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 476; Type: FB 16078 Curran, Merritt & Zschokke (US, para), Luzon: Benguet, Jan-1909. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Abra (photos), Benguet, Mountain Province. Notes: Open grassy slopes. 550m (photos) to 1000-2000m. DAO category: Other Threatened Species. Native.
  4. Lepidagathis clarkei Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 344; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 476; Type: R.S. Williams 37, Luzon: Bataan, Lamao River, damp shaded banks along stream, c. 150m, Oct-1903. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Bataan. Notes: Shaded places along mountain streams. 100-400m. DAO category: Other Threatened Species. Native.
  5. Lepidagathis dispar C.B.Clarke ex Merr., PJS 5c (1910) 386; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 476; Type: Elmer 6059 (NY, US, syn), Luzon: Benguet, Baguio, Apr-1904. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Benguet, Isabela, Mountain Province, Nueva Ecija, Rizal. Notes: Low and medium elevation thickets, open sites and stream banks. Native.
  6. Lepidagathis humilis Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 346; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 477; Type: R.S. Williams 2955 (NY), Mindanao: Davao del Sur, Sta. Cruz, 19-Jun-1905. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LEYTE, LUZON: Ilocos Norte, MINDANAO: Davao, Davao del Sur, SAMAR. Notes: Lowland forests. Native.
  7. Lepidagathis inaequalis C.B.Clarke ex Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1695; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 477; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 671; Type: Cuming 497 (K), Luzon: Laguna. Distribution: Philippines, Ryukyu Isls, Taiwan. LEYTE (photos), LUZON: Aurora, Bulacan, Cagayan (photos), Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Laguna, NCR, Quezon, Sorsogon, MINDANAO: Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Misamis Oriental (photos), PALAUI (photos), ?PALAWAN. Notes: According to Merrill (1923), Elmer 13028 (US) from Mt Pulgar (= Thumb Peak), Palawan does not represent Clarke’s species. It is erroneously labeled as an isotype in US. 130-140m (photos). Native.
  8. Lepidagathis incurva Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don, Prodr. Fl. Nepal. (1825) 119; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 477. = Lepidagathis mucronata Nees, Pl. Asiat. Rar. 3 (1832) 95. Distribution: India to China, Malay Peninsula, Philippines. BALABAC, LUZON: Apayao, Bataan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Laguna, NCR, Nueva Ecija, Rizal, PALAWAN. Notes: Low and medium elevation forests and thickets. Native.
  9. Lepidagathis laxa Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 251; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 477; Type: Cuming 1717, Samar. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BOHOL, CATANDUANES, LEYTE, MINDORO, ?PALAWAN (photos), SAMAR. Notes: Lowland forests. Native.
  10. Lepidagathis macgregorii Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 346; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 477; Type: R.C. McGregor 128, Mindoro: Mindoro Oriental, Baco River, 15-Mar-1905. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDORO. Notes: Lowland forests. DAO category: Other Threatened Species. Native.
  11. Lepidagathis microphylla Merr., PJS 13c (1918) 63; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 477; Type: BS 27518 Ramos (US, iso), Luzon: Ilocos Norte, Bangui, dry open hills at low elevation, 10-Mar-1917. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Ilocos Norte. Notes: Dry open slopes at low elevation. DAO category: Vulnerable. Native.
  12. Lepidagathis mindorensis Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 343; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 477; Type: BS 6702 C.B. Robinson (US, iso), Mindoro: Mindoro Oriental, Bulalacao, rocky soils along stream, 50m, Mar-1909. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDORO. Notes: Along streams at low elevation. DAO category: Other Threatened Species. Native.
  13. Lepidagathis palawanensis Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 342; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 477; Type: Merrill 9760 (US, iso), Palawan: Taytay, dry thickets along trail at sea-level, Apr-1913. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN. Notes: Lowland thickets. DAO category: Vulnerable. Native.
  14. Lepidagathis psilantha Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 251; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 478; Type: Cuming 1013 (WU, iso), Luzon: Pangasinan. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Albay, Pangasinan. Notes: Low elevation. Probably in thickets or forests. DAO category: Other Threatened Species. Native.
  15. Lepidagathis secunda (Blanco) Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 259; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 442; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 478; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 673; ≡ Ruellia secunda Blanco, Fl. Filip., 1st Ed. (1837) 495; Type: Merrill Species Blancoanae 702 (US, illustrative specimen), Luzon: Bulacan, Ipo, Dec-1914. = Lepidagathis luzona Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 259. Distribution: Philippines, Taiwan. LUZON: Albay, Bulacan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Laguna, NCR, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal. Notes: Low elevation, in dry thickets and open dry places, etc. Native.
  16. Lepidagathis spicifera Elmer, LPB 7 (1915) 2547; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 478; Type: Elmer 13383 (NY, iso), Mindanao: Agusan del Norte, Cabadbaran, Mt Urdaneta, Jul-1912. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Albay, MINDANAO: Agusan del Norte, POLILLO, SAMAR. Notes: Shaded places along streams, c. 350m. Native.
  17. Lepidagathis subglabra Merr., PJS 7c (1912) 103; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 478; Type: BS 507 Vanoverbergh (US, iso), Luzon: Mountain Province, Malamey, in forest, c. 1600m, 10-May-1910. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. ILIN (photos), LUZON: Abra, Mountain Province, MINDORO. Native.
    • var. subglabra. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Mountain Province. Notes: Forests, c. 1600m. Native.
    • var. lancifolia Merr., EPFP 3 (1923) 478; Type: BS 27028 Ramos (US, isosyn), Luzon: Abra, Mt Posuey, Feb-1917. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. ILIN (photos), LUZON: Abra, Mountain Province. Notes: Forests, 300-1600m. Native.
  18. Lepidagathis subinterrupta Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 345; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 478; Type: BS 8024 Ramos, Luzon: Isabela, San Luis, boulders along shaded streams, May-1909. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Isabela, PANAY. Notes: Boulders along shaded streams at low and medium elevation. Native.
  19. Lepidagathis tenuis C.B.Clarke, Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35 (1906) 92; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 478. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LEYTE, LUZON: Benguet, Ifugao, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, MINDANAO: Bukidnon, Davao, Davao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga. Notes: Steep stream gullies at low and medium elevation. Native.

Megaskepasma Lindau (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 20 October 2020
  1. Megaskepasma erythrochlamys Lindau, Bull. Herb. Boissier, 1st Sér. 5 (1897) 666. Distribution: C & S America. PANAY (photos). Naturalized.

Nelsonia R.Br. (Not native)

Possibly present

  1. Nelsonia canescens (Lam.) Spreng., Syst. Veg., 16th Ed. 1 (1824) 42; Hu et al., Fl. China 19 (2011) 371; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 27; ≡ Justicia canescens Lam., Tabl. Encycl. 1 (1791) 41. Distribution: Africa, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, ?Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam. Notes: P.B. Pelser & J.P. Collantes (8-Aug-20): Widely naturalised and natural distribution unknown (Daniel & McDade 2014). Listed for the Philippines by Hu et al. (2011), but not mentioned for the country by Daniel & McDade (2014).

Odontonema Nees (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 9 July 2026
  1. Odontonema cuspidatum (Nees) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2 (1891) 494; ≡ Thyrsacanthus cuspidatus Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 323. Distribution: C America. LUZON: Camarines Sur (photos), Quezon (photos), MINDANAO: Misamis Occidental (photos). Notes: Invasive in the Philippines and elsewhere. P.B. Pelser (12-Sep-20): I am not entirely certain if Philippine specimens belong to this species or to Thyrsacanthus tubaeformis (Bertol.) Nees. 340m (photos). Naturalized.

Pachystachys Nees (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser & John Edward Matulina Villasis, 29 December 2025
  1. Pachystachys coccinea (Aubl.) Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 319; ≡ Justicia coccinea Aubl., Hist. Pl. Guiane (1775) 10. Distribution: S America. CEBU, LUZON: Batangas, Laguna (photos), NCR, Quezon (photos), Rizal, MINDANAO: Davao del Sur, NEGROS, PALAWAN, PANAY. Notes: Naturalized and invasive. Naturalized.
  2. Pachystachys lutea Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 320; ≡ Justicia lutea (Nees) Ruiz & Pav. ex B.D.Jacks., Index Kew. 1 (1893) 1266, nom. illeg. Distribution: S America. BOHOL, CEBU, LUZON: Batangas, Benguet, Camarines Sur, Laguna, NCR, MINDANAO: Bukidnon, Maguindanao, South Cotabato, NEGROS, PANAY. Notes: Naturalized and invasive. Naturalized.

Pararuellia Bremek. & Nann.-Bremek.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 25 April 2025
  1. Pararuellia nudispica (C.B.Clarke) Bremek. & Nann.-Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 45 (1948) 29; ≡ Staurogyne nudispica (C.B.Clarke) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 113; ≡ Gymnostachyum nudispicum (C.B.Clarke) Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1700; ≡ Ruellia nudispica C.B.Clarke, PJS 1(Suppl.) (1906) 248; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 476; Type: BS 351 Bermejos (US, iso), Palawan: forests near Puerto Princesa, Feb-1906. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. APULIT, JOLO, PALAWAN, SULU ARCHIPELAGO. Notes: Low elevation forests and thickets. DAO category: Vulnerable (as Staurogyne nudispica). Native.

Possibly present

  1. Pararuellia napifera (Zoll.) Bremek. & Nann.-Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 45 (1948) 30; ≡ Ruellia napifera Zoll., Natuur- Geneesk. Arch. Ned.-Indië 2 (1845) 573. Distribution: Java, Lesser Sunda Isls, ?Philippines. ?PALAWAN. Notes: PNH 91235 Mendoza (L) possibly represents this species in the Philippines.

Pseuderanthemum Radlk.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 2 May 2026
  1. Pseuderanthemum bicolor (Sims) Radlk. ex Lindau, Nat. Pflanzenfam. (Engler & Prantl) 4(3b) (1895) 330; Bailey, Gent. Herb. 1 (1923) 130; Merrill, EPFP 4 (1926) 247; ≡ Eranthemum bicolor (Sims) Schrank, Pl. Rar. Hort. Monac. (1819) t.8; ≡ Justicia bicolor Sims, Bot. Mag. 35 (1811) t.1423. = Pseuderanthemum pulchellum Merr., PJS 7c (1912) 248; Fl. Manila (1912) 438; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 482. Distribution: Malay Peninsula. BORACAY (photos), CULION, DANJUGAN (photos), LAGEN, LUZON: Cagayan, Sorsogon (photos), MINDANAO: Misamis Oriental (photos), MINDORO (photos), PALAWAN, SILLON, URSULA. Notes: Introduced in other tropical countries. In most or all islands and provinces. Lowland thickets, often common. Naturalized.
  2. Pseuderanthemum confusum Merr., PJS 30 (1926) 427; Type: BS 44296 Ramos & Edaño (NY, iso), Tawi-Tawi, damp forest along small streams at low elevation, Aug-1924. Distribution: Borneo, Philippines. TAWI-TAWI. Notes: Lowland streamside forests. Native.
  3. Pseuderanthemum curtatum (C.B.Clarke) Merr., Interpr. Herb. Amboin. (1917) 475; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 482; ≡ Eranthemum curtatum C.B.Clarke, Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35 (1906) 89. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BABUYAN ISLS, BATAN, CATANDUANES, CEBU (photos), GUIMARAS, LEYTE, LUZON: Apayao (photos), Bataan, Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Isabela (photos), Laguna, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, MINDANAO: Agusan del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, Lanao del Norte (photos), Zamboanga del Norte, MINDORO, PALAWAN, PANAY, SAMAR. Notes: Throughout the Philippines; low and medium elevation primary forests. 100m (photos). Native.
  4. Pseuderanthemum depauperatum Merr., PJS 11c (1916) 315; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 482; Type: Merrill 5346. Distribution: Moluccas. PALMAS. Notes: Low elevation cliffs. L.L.Co: Palmas island is actually part of Indonesia, but as it is an islet of the SE coast of Mindanao (Cape San Agustin), the species is presumed to occur also in the Philippines proper. Native.
  5. Pseuderanthemum fruticosum (Elmer) Merr., EPFP 3 (1923) 482; ≡ Eranthemum fruticosum Elmer, LPB 2 (1909) 590; Type: Elmer 9619 (A, NY, US, iso), Negros: Negros Oriental, Cuernos Mtns. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDANAO: Davao, Davao del Sur, NEGROS. Notes: Forested ravines, c. 750m. Native.
  6. Pseuderanthemum minutiflorum (Elmer) Merr., EPFP 3 (1923) 482; ≡ Eranthemum minutiflorum Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1687; Type: Elmer 13084 (A, BISH, F, GH, MICH, MO, NY, US, iso), Palawan: Puerto Princesa, Mt Pulgar (= Thumb Peak), Apr-1911. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN. Notes: Lowland secondary forests along streams. Possibly not a true Pseuderanthemum. DAO category: Vulnerable. Native.

Possibly present

  1. Pseuderanthemum diversifolium (Miq.) Radlk., Sitzungsber. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. München 13 (1883) 286; ≡ Eranthemum diversifolium Miq., Fl. Ned. Ind. 2 (1858) 837. Distribution: Java, Lesser Sunda Isls, ?Philippines. ?PALAWAN. Notes: P.B. Pelser & J.P. Collantes (8-Aug-2020): L.L. Co mentioned specimens of Pseuderanthemum diversifolium from Palawan in his unpublished preliminary version of this checklist: "Elmer 12628 (F, GH) from Addison’s Peak, and Ebalo & Conklin 1379 (Aborlan, Mt Apis)". J. Almoro (24-Apr-2026) concluded that Elmer 12628 represents Pseuderanthemum bicolor and that Ebalo & Conklin 1379 might be Pseuderanthemum curtatum, which is very similar to Pseuderanthemum diversifolium.

Cultivated, not naturalized

  1. Pseuderanthemum carruthersii (Seem.) Guillaumin, Ann. Mus. Colon. Marseille, 6th Sér. 5-6 (1948) 48; ≡ Eranthemum carruthersii Seem., Fl. Vit. (1866) 185. = Pseuderanthemum reticulatum (W.Bull ex A.de Vos) Radlk., Sitzungsber. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. München 13 (1883) 286; ≡ Eranthemum reticulatum W.Bull ex A.de Vos, Belgique Hort. 26 (1876) 151. Distribution: Pacific Ocean. Cultivated, not naturalized.

Ptyssiglottis T.Anderson

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser & Joaquin Almoro, 7 May 2026
  1. Ptyssiglottis dispar Hallier f., Nova Acta Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. German. Nat. Cur. 70 (1898) 220. = Hallieracantha pulgarensis Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1692; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 484; Type: Elmer 13061 (BISH, F, L, NY, iso), Palawan: Mt Pulgar, forest c. 250 ft, Mar-1911. = Hallieracantha philippinensis Stapf, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 38 (1907) 14; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 484; Type: Vidal 3408 (K), Mindanao: Zamboanga. Distribution: Borneo, Philippines. BASILAN, MINDANAO: Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga, PALAWAN. Notes: Joaquin Almoro (7-May-26): Ptyssiglottis dispar Hallier f. is incorrectly listed as a synonym of Justicia pulgarensis (Elmer) C.M.Gao & Y.F.Deng in POWO. 80-1000m. Native.
  2. Ptyssiglottis kunthiana (Nees) B.Hansen, Nordic J. Bot. 9 (1989) 214; Type: from Peninsular Malaysia. = Hallieracantha aequifolia (C.B.Clarke) Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 457; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 483; ≡ Ptyssiglottis aequifolia (C.B.Clarke ex Merr.) Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 457; ≡ Polytrema aequifolium C.B.Clarke ex Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 342; Type: BS 357 Bermejos (K, NY, US, iso), Palawan: Tanobag, 30-Jan-1906. = Hallieracantha brevipetiolata Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 457; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 483; Type: BS 39761 Ramos (K, US, iso), Mindoro: Mindoro Occidental, Paluan, Apr-1921. Distribution: Java, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Philippines, Sumatra, Thailand, Vietnam. LUZON: Laguna, MINDORO, PALAWAN. Notes: 0-200m. DAO category: Vulnerable. Native.
  3. Ptyssiglottis undulata (Merr.) B.Hansen, Opera Bot. 116 (1992) 34; ≡ Hallieracantha undulata Merr., PJS 29 (1926) 486; Type: BS 43326 Ramos (US, iso), Bohol: Sevilla, along streams in forests, c. 600m, Sep-1923. = Oreothyrsus samarensis Bremek., Acta Bot. Neerl. 4 (1955) 651; Type: PNH 15323 Edano (U, iso), Samar: Western Samar, Mt Sarauag, along forest edge, 100m, 8-Dec-1951. = Polytrema irosinense Elmer, LPB 10 (1939) 3676, nom. inval., no Latin descr., as 'irosinensis'; Type: Elmer 15491 (NY, iso), Luzon: Sorsogon, Irosin, Mt Bulusan, loose ground of open places, Nov-1915. = Polytrema macgregorii Elmer, LPB 10 (1938) 3677, nom. inval., no Latin descr.; Type: Elmer 15352 (L, NY, iso), Luzon: Sorsogon, Irosin, Mt Bulusan, Nov-1915. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BOHOL, LUZON: Laguna, Sorsogon, SAMAR. Notes: 150-600m. Native.

Rhinacanthus Nees (Not native)

  1. Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz, J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal, Pt. 2, Nat. Hist. 39(2) (1870) 79; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 438; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 488; ≡ Justicia nasuta L., Sp. Pl., 1st Ed. (1753) 16. Distribution: Bangladesh, India, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam. LUZON: Cavite, Laguna, NCR (photos), Rizal. Notes: Thickets, hedges and waste places in and about towns. Naturalized.

Ruellia L.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser & Wally Suarez, 30 April 2026
  1. Ruellia blechum L., Syst. Nat., 10th Ed. 2 (1759) 1120. = Blechum pyramidatum (Lam.) Urb., Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 15 (1918) 323; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 651; ≡ Barleria pyramidata Lam., Encycl. (Lamarck) 1 (1785) 380. = Blechum brownei Juss., Ann. Mus. Natl. Hist. Nat. 9 (1807) 270; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 444; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 471. Distribution: Neotropics. BALABAC, BATANES, CEBU, HUNDRED ISLS (photos), LEYTE, LUZON: Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, NCR, Sorsogon, MINDANAO: Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Lanao, Misamis, MINDORO, NEGROS, PALAWAN, POLILLO, SIBUYAN. Notes: Native of the neotropics, now naturalized in Taiwan, the Philippines, Marianas and Carolines. In Luzon from Cagayan to Sorsogon; waste places, open thickets, on and about old walls, etc., in and about towns at low elevation. Usually common. Naturalized.
  2. Ruellia luzoniensis Merr., PJS 30 (1926) 426; Type: BS 44627 Ramos & Edaño (NY, US, iso), Luzon: Zambales, Anuling, in forests along streams at low elevation, Nov-1924. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Zambales. Native.
  3. Ruellia philippinensis Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1690; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 476; Type: Elmer 12922. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BASILAN, PALAWAN. Notes: Lowland thickets on stream banks. DAO category: Vulnerable. Native.
  4. Ruellia repens L., Mant. Pl. (1767) 89; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 443; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 476; ≡ Dipteracanthus repens (L.) Hassk., Tijdschr. Natuurl. Gesch. Physiol. 10 (1843) 129; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 656. Distribution: Hong Kong, India, Malay Peninsula, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan. BOHOL, LEYTE, LUZON: Bataan, Ilocos Sur, Laguna, Mountain Province, NCR, MINDANAO: Bukidnon (photos), Davao del Sur, PANAY, SULU ARCHIPELAGO, TAWI-TAWI. Notes: Throughout the archipelago in most provinces. Low and medium elevation grasslands, thickets, rice paddy embankments, etc. 363m (photos). Native.
  5. Ruellia simplex C.Wright, Anales Real Acad. Ci. Méd. Fís. Nat. Habana Revista Ci. 6 (1870) 321. ≠ Ruellia tuberosa auct. non L.; Quisumbing, PJS 41 (1930) 361. Distribution: Neotropics. LUZON: Batangas (photos), Rizal (photos), MINDANAO: Misamis Oriental (photos), MINDORO (photos). Notes: Occasional as an escape from gardens in Manila and neighboring areas. W. Suarez (21-Mar-26): the name Ruellia tuberosa has been misapplied in the Philippines to plants belonging to Ruellia simplex. 20m (photos). Naturalized.

Rungia Nees

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 30 April 2026
  1. Rungia diversiformis Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 472; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 485. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. CULION, LUZON: Bataan, Bulacan, Ilocos Norte (photos), Laguna, NCR, Pangasinan, Rizal, Zambales, PALAWAN. Notes: Thickets and along streams in ravines at low and medium elevation. Native.
  2. Rungia lepida C.B.Clarke, PJS 1(Suppl.) (1906) 248; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 485; Type: Merrill 4450 (NY, US, iso), Luzon: Ilocos Sur (in area formerly under the old District of Lepanto), Suyoc to Cervantes, Oct-1905. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, Pangasinan. Notes: On banks and open grasslands at low and medium elevation. (?-)300m-1500m. Native.
  3. Rungia membranacea Merr., PJS 11c (1915) 205; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 485; Type: BS 24515 Ramos (US, iso), Samar: Catubig River at Tagabiran, low elevation open forest, Feb-1916. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. SAMAR. Notes: Lowland forests. Native.
  4. Rungia pectinata (L.) Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 470; Rueangsawang et al., Thai Forest Bull. 48 (2020) 66; ≡ Justicia pectinata L., Cent. Pl. II (1756) 3. = Rungia parviflora (Retz.) Nees, Pl. Asiat. Rar. 3 (1832) 110; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 485; ≡ Justicia parviflora Retz., Observ. Bot. (Retzius) 5 (1788) 9. Distribution: Cambodia, China, India, Java, Laos, Malay Peninsula, Middle East, Myanmar, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam. LUZON: Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya. Notes: Open grassy slopes. 20-1900m. Native.
  5. Rungia philippinensis C.B.Clarke, Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35 (1906) 92; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 485; Type: Cuming 1276. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Benguet, Cagayan, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya (photos), MINDANAO: Lanao. Notes: Forests and thickets, mostly at medium elevation. Native.
  6. Rungia podostachya Bremek., PJS 81 (1952) 134; Type: PNH 11542 Edaño (L, holo; U, iso), Mindanao: Davao Oriental, Mt Kampalili, forested slopes, 700m, 22-Mar-1949. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDANAO: Davao Oriental, PANAY (photos). Notes: Possibly belongs in Justicia. 700m. Native.

Sanchezia Ruiz & Pav. (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 18 October 2025
  1. Sanchezia oblonga Ruiz & Pav., Fl. Peruv. 1 (1798) 7; Azevedo & De Moraes, Nordic J. Bot. 2022 (2022) e03426: 4. Distribution: S America. MINDANAO: Zamboanga del Norte (photos). Notes: Naturalized in natural forest (I. Marchan, pers. comm. 7-Sep-25). 370m (photos). Naturalized.

Staurogyne Wall.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 30 April 2026
  1. Staurogyne athroantha Bremek., Reinwardtia 3 (1955) 238; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 36; Type: Merrill 1215 (L, iso), Palawan: Taytay, May-1913. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BALABAC, BUSUANGA, PALAWAN. Native.
  2. Staurogyne capillipes Bremek., Reinwardtia 3 (1955) 243; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 36; Type: Merrill 7238 (L, holo), Palawan. Sep-1910. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. CULION (photos), PALAWAN. Native.
  3. Staurogyne debilis (T.Anderson) C.B.Clarke ex Merr., PJS 2c (1907) 302; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 467; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 36; ≡ Ebermaiera debilis T.Anderson, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 9 (1867) 452; S.Vidal, Phan. Cuming., Philip. (1885) 132; Type: Cuming 1373, Luzon: Albay. = Staurogyne debilis var. angustifolia Bremek., Reinwardtia 3 (1955) 217; Type: BS 46127 Reillo (L, holo), Basilan, Aug/Sep-1912. = Staurogyne ciliata Elmer, LPB 7 (1915) 2548; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 467; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 36; Type: PNH 11357 (U), Mindanao: Davao Oriental, Mt Mayo, 1700m, 4-Apr-1949. = Staurogyne debilis var. longifolia Bremek., Reinwardtia 3 (1955) 217; Type: PNH 3371 Edaño (U, holo), Mindoro: Mindoro Oriental, Mt Halcon, 533m, 19-Jan-1948. = Staurogyne debilis var. pubifolia Bremek., Reinwardtia 3 (1955) 216; Type: Elmer 8708 (L, holo), Luzon: Benguet, Baguio, Mar-1907. Distribution: Philippines, Solomon Isls, Taiwan, Vietnam. ALABAT, BASILAN, BILIRAN, BUSUANGA, CATANDUANES, CEBU (photos), LEYTE, LUZON: Albay, Apayao, Aurora (photos), Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur (photos), Isabela (photos), Laguna, Pampanga (photos), Quezon, Rizal, Sorsogon, MINDANAO: Agusan, Bukidnon, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Lanao del Sur, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga, MINDORO, NEGROS, PALAWAN, PANAY, POLILLO, SAMAR. Notes: Low and medium elevation, chiefly along streams in shaded ravines. (?)150-1700m. Native.
  4. Staurogyne elmeri Co ex Pelser, Blumea 66 (2021) 97; ≡ Staurogyne subcordata (Elmer) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 113, nom. illeg., non Benoist; ≡ Gymnostachyum subcordatum Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1703; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 481; Type: Elmer 12729 (BISH, BRIT, CAS, F, GH, K, L, MICH, NY, P, PH, U, US), Palawan: Puerto Princesa, Mt Pulgar, Mar-1911. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN. Notes: Lowland forests along streams. Native.
  5. Staurogyne merrillii Bremek., Reinwardtia 3 (1955) 242; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 38; Type: Merrill 7225 (L, holo), Palawan. Sep-1910. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN. Native.
  6. Staurogyne neesii (S.Vidal) Merr., EPFP 3 (1923) 468; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 38; ≡ Ebermaiera neesii S.Vidal, Phan. Cuming. Philipp. (1885) 34; Type: Cuming 1083. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Albay, Zambales. Notes: Low elevation, along streams. Native.
  7. Staurogyne ophiorrhizoides Elmer, LPB 4 (1912) 1488; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 468; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 38; Type: Elmer 12364 (US, NY, iso; L, type status not certain), Sibuyan: Magallanes (= Magdiwang), Mt Giting-giting, Moist, rock-clayey soil of densely wooded gulches along trail to España at 1750ft, south of ridge summit, Apr-1910. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON, SIBUYAN. Notes: Forests, 530m. Native.
  8. Staurogyne panayensis Bremek., Reinwardtia 3 (1955) 214; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 38; Type: BS 30918 Ramos & Edaño (K, holo), Panay: Capiz, Jamindan, Apr/May-1910. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PANAY. Native.
  9. Staurogyne samarensis Bremek., Reinwardtia 3 (1955) 213; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 39; Type: BS 17534 Ramos (L, holo), Samar, Mar/Apr-1914. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. SAMAR. Native.
  10. Staurogyne setigera (Nees) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2 (1891) 497; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 39; ≡ Ebermaiera setigera Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 76. Distribution: Java, Malay Peninsula, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand. BALABAC, MINDORO. Native.
    • var. grandis Bremek., Reinwardtia 3 (1955) 189. = Staurogyne balabacensis Quisumb., PJS 41 (1930) 358; Type: BS 49718 Ramos & Edano (NY, iso), Balabac: Katakupan, along streams in damp forests at low elevation, 25-Nov-1927. Distribution: BALABAC. Native.
  11. Staurogyne spatulata (Blume) Koord., Exkurs.-Fl. Java 3 (1912) 11; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 39; ≡ Adenosma spatulata Blume, Bijdr. fl. Ned. Ind. (1826) 757. = Staurogyne rivularis Merr., PJS 7c (1912) 248; Fl. Manila (1912) 435; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 468; Type: Merrill 7396 (L, US, iso), Luzon: Manila, Masambong, along small streams on ledges subject to overflow in high water, Dec-1910. Distribution: Australia, Cambodia, China, India, Java, Laos, Myanmar, New Guinea, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam. LUZON: Rizal. Notes: Low elevation, on ledges along small streams. Native.
  12. Staurogyne subcapitata Bremek., Reinwardtia 3 (1955) 190; Daniel & McDade, Aliso 32 (2014) 39. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Rizal, Zambales. Native.

Strobilanthes Blume

Last edited by P.B. Pelser & Joaquin Almoro, 7 May 2026
  1. Strobilanthes alternata (Burm.f.) Moylan ex J.R.I.Wood, Novon 23 (2014) 389; ≡ Hemigraphis alternata (Burm.f.) T.Anderson, J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 7 (1864) 114; ≡ Ruellia alternata Burm.f., Fl. Ind. (N. L. Burman) (1768) 135; Type: sine collector 1757 (G-BU, syn). = Hemigraphis colorata (Blume) Hallier f., Nov. Actorum Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. Nat. Cur. 70 (1897) 199; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 443; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 471; ≡ Ruellia colorata Blume, Bijdr. fl. Ned. Ind. (1826) 795; Type: from Java: Zollinger 544 (B, G-BOIS, G-DC, syn). Distribution: LUZON: Laguna (photos), PALAWAN. Notes: Cultigen. Widely cultivated as an ornamental. Naturalized in the Philippines (Moylan et al. 2002). Naturalized.
  2. Strobilanthes antonii Elmer, LPB 7 (1915) 2550; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 475; ≡ Semnostachya antonii (Elmer) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 206; Type: Elmer 13610 (BISH, MICH, NY, US, iso), Mindanao: Agusan del Norte, Cabadbaran, Mt Urdaneta, Aug-1912. = Semnostachya leytensis Bremek., PJS 81 (1952) 133; Type: PNH 12154 Edaño (A, L, U), Leyte: Leyte, Ormoc, Mt Mamban, 1163m, Apr-1950. Distribution: Borneo, Philippines. LEYTE, LUZON: Apayao (photos), Aurora, Bataan, Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, MINDANAO: Agusan del Norte, Bukidnon, Davao Oriental. Notes: Primary forests. 1050-1578m. Native.
  3. Strobilanthes apoensis (Elmer) Merr., EPFP 3 (1923) 475; ≡ Hypoestes apoensis Elmer, LPB 7 (1915) 2544; Type: Elmer 10722 (A, K, syn; US, iso), Mindanao: Davao, Mt Apo, Todaya, May-1909. = Strobilanthes sibulanensis Merr., PJS 29 (1926) 488; ≡ Peristrophe sibulanensis (Elmer) Merr., EPFP 3 (1923) 485; ≡ Hypoestes sibulanensis Elmer, LPB 7 (1915) 2546; Type: Elmer 11152 (GH, MO, NY, US, iso), Mindanao: Davao, Mt Apo, Jul-1909. = Strobilanthes boholensis Merr., PJS 29 (1926) 487; Type: BS 43256 Ramos (BM, G, K, US, iso), Bohol: Bilar, in damp forest, c. 600m, Oct-1923. Distribution: Borneo, Java, Lesser Sunda Isls, Philippines. BOHOL, LUZON: Laguna (photos), Quezon, MINDANAO: Davao de Oro (photos), Davao del Sur, Zamboanga del Sur (photos). Notes: 600-950m (photos). Conservation status: Least Concern (Wood & Scotland 2009). Native.
  4. Strobilanthes bakeri (Merr.) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 204; ≡ Hemigraphis bakeri Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 348; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 471; Type: Baker 3272 (K, lecto), Luzon: Quezon, hills near Malimao, 7-May-1914. = Hemigraphis mindorensis Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 113; Type: Merrill 1785 (B, holo; US, iso), Mindoro: Mindoro Oriental, Baco River, Apr-1903. = Hemigraphis panayensis var. merrillii Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 112, nom. inval.; ≡ Hemigraphis panayensis (Merr.) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 112; ≡ Ruellia panayensis Merr., PJS 10c (1915) 347; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 476; Type: BS 21236 Escritor (K, lecto; US, iso), Panay: Capiz, Jun-1913, according to Merrill (1915), the Panay origin of the type is uncertain and may have been collected in the adjacent island of Romblon; Romblon at that time was under the administrative jurisdiction of the province of Capiz. = Hemigraphis panayensis var. angustifolia Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 113; Type: Martelino & Edano 35499 (L, holo; SING, iso), Panay: Capiz, Libacao. = Hemigraphis tenuispica Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 114; Type: Ramos & Edaño 75387 (U, holo; NY, SING, UC, iso), Catanduanes. Jul/Sep-1928. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BOHOL, CATANDUANES, LEYTE (photos), LUZON: Isabela, Quezon, MINDORO, PANAY, ROMBLON, SAMAR. Notes: Lowland streamside forests and possibly thickets. 0-150m. Native.
  5. Strobilanthes baracatanensis (Elmer) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 204, as 'baracatanense'; ≡ Hemigraphis baracatanense Elmer, LPB 7 (1915) 2543; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 471; Type: Elmer 11070 (NY, lecto; A, BM, BP, E, L, MO, BISH, US, isolecto), Mindanao: Davao, Mt Apo, Todaya, forested ravines, c. 450m, Jul-1909. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDANAO: Davao del Sur. Notes: Only known from the type collection (Moylan et al. 2002). 450m. Native.
  6. Strobilanthes blumeana (Nees) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 205; ≡ Hemigraphis blumeana (Nees) Boerl., Handl. Fl. Ned. Ind. (Boerlage) 2 (1899) 658; ≡ Ruellia blumeana Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 149; Type: from Indonesia: Zollinger 343 (G-DC, lecto; A, BM, K, S, isolecto). = Hemigraphis hirsuta var. crenata Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1693; Type: Elmer 12678 (PNH, lecto; BISH, BM, BO, E, F, GH, K, MO 2 sheets, NY, U, US, isolecto), Palawan: Palawan, Brookes Point, Addison Peak, Feb-1911. = Hemigraphis culionensis Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 102; Type: Merrill 536 (B, holo; K, NY, iso), Culion. = Hemigraphis palawanensis Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 15; Type: PNH 167 Edaño (U, holo; PNH, iso), Palawan: Puerto Princesa, Bacungan, 26-Mar-1947. = Hemigraphis palawanensis var. hirsuta Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 15; Type: PNH 298 Edaño (PNH, holo; A, iso), Palawan: Puerto Princesa, Babuyan, low elevation forest, Mar-1947. Distribution: Borneo, Java, Malay Peninsula, Philippines, Sulawesi, Sumatra. CULION, ?DINAGAT (photos), LUZON: Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, PALAWAN, PANAY. Notes: Forests. 0-500m. Native.
  7. Strobilanthes bulusanensis Elmer, LPB 10 (1939) 3678; Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 203; Type: Elmer 16884 (PNH, lecto; BM, K, L, NY, U, UC, isolecto), Luzon: Sorsogon, Irosin, Mt Bulusan, Apr-1916. = Hemigraphis pachyphylla Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 453; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 472; Type: BS 33794 (or 33974?) Ramos & Edaño (US, iso), Luzon: Camarines Norte, Paracale, Dec-1918. = Hemigraphis samarensis Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 109; Type: Jagor 962 (B, holo), Samar. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Albay, Aurora (photos), Cagayan (photos), Camarines Norte, Quezon, Sorsogon, SAMAR. Notes: Thickets and recent clearings at low elevation. The name Strobilanthes pachyphylla is occupied by Strobilanthes pachyphylla C.B.Clarke. Native.
  8. Strobilanthes cincinnalis C.B.Clarke, PJS 1(Suppl.) (1906) 249; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 475; Type: BS 4574 Merrill (US, iso; NY), Luzon: Mountain Province, Mt Data, 2250m, Nov-1905. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BATANES, LUZON: Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, MINDANAO: Misamis Occidental. Notes: Mossy forests, 2000-2400m. Native.
  9. Strobilanthes cumingiana (Nees) Y.F.Deng & J.R.I.Wood, J. Trop. Subtrop. Bot. 18 (2010) 483; ≡ Hemigraphis cumingiana (Nees) Fern.-Vill., Fl. Filip., 3rd Ed. 4(Nov. App.) (1880) 153; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 471; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 656; ≡ Ruellia cumingiana Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 148; Type: Cuming 1310 (K, lecto; BM, E, K, isolecto), Luzon. = Hemigraphis strigosa (Nees) Fern.-Vill., Fl. Filip., 3rd Ed. 4(Nov. App.) (1880) 153; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 474; ≡ Ruellia strigosa Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 148; Type: Cuming 588 (K, lecto; BM, K, isolecto), Luzon. Distribution: Philippines, Sulawesi, Taiwan. ALABAT, GUIMARAS, LUZON: Albay, Apayao, Benguet, Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Laguna, Pangasinan, Quezon, Sorsogon, MINDANAO: Agusan del Norte, Cotabato, Surigao del Norte, MINDORO, PALAWAN, PANAY. Notes: Lowland primary forests. 50-300m. Native.
  10. Strobilanthes diversifolia (Elmer) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 204, nom. inval.; ≡ Hemigraphis diversifolia Elmer ex Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 120; ≡ Hemigraphis diversifolia Elmer, LPB 10 (1939) 3674, nom. inval., no Latin descr.; Type: Elmer 15398 (NY, lecto; BM, BO, GH, K, L, MO, U, iso), Luzon: Sorsogon, Irosin, Mt Bulusan, loose soil of more or less shaded places, Dec-1915. = Hemigraphis proteus Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 104; Type: BS 20480 Ramos (L, holo; US, iso), Luzon: Laguna, San Antonio, Feb-1913. = Hemigraphis subtinctoria Elmer, LPB 10 (1939) 3674, nom. inval., no Latin descr.; Type: Elmer 15430 (NY, lecto; BM, BO, GH, L, MO, U, US, iso), Luzon: Sorsogon, Irosin, Mt Bulusan, Jul-1916. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Laguna, Sorsogon. Notes: Pelser (28-Aug-22): I don't think that the combination Strobilanthes diversifolia was validly published, because Deng (2019) did not provide a full and direct reference to the author and place of valid publication of the basionym, i.e. Hemigraphis diversifolia Elmer ex Bremek. Instead, Deng (2019) only mentioned Elmer's publication (Elmer 1939) in which the name Hemigraphis diversifolia Elmer is invalidly published, because it does not include a Latin diagnosis. 0-400m. Native.
  11. Strobilanthes elmeri Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 204; ≡ Hemigraphis setosa Elmer, LPB 1 (1908) 348; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 474; Type: Elmer 7248 (NY, lecto;BO, E, K, isolecto), Leyte: Palo. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LEYTE, PALAWAN, PANAY, SAMAR. Notes: Moylan et al. 2002: endemic to Leyte. Low elevation, in forests and along streams. Native.
  12. Strobilanthes fruticulosa (C.B.Clarke) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 205; ≡ Hemigraphis fruticulosa C.B.Clarke, PJS 1(Suppl.) (1906) 247; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 472; Type: Merrill 4465 (K, lecto, NY, US, isolecto), Luzon: District of Lepanto (= vicinity of present-day Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur provincial borders): Cervantes to Mankayan, Nov-1905. = Hemigraphis nummulariifolia Merr., PJS 14 (1919) 455, as 'nummularifolia'; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 472; Type: BS 33031 Ramos (BM, lecto), Luzon: Ilocos Norte, between Bangui and Claveria, on dry open banks, 30-Aug-1918. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Benguet, Bulacan, Cagayan, Camarines, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, Pampanga, Rizal, MINDANAO: Surigao. Notes: Low to medium elevation, on cliffs, ravines and steep banks and open dry places at low elevation. 700-800m (photos). Native.
  13. Strobilanthes fusca J.R.I.Wood, Kew Bull. 64 (2009) 11; Type: Reynoso, Alvarez & Fernando PPI 4164 (K, holo), Luzon: Zambales, Masinloc, Coto, 2-Feb-1992. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Zambales. Conservation status: Endangered (Wood & Scotland 2009). Native.
  14. Strobilanthes halconensis Merr., PJS 2c (1907) 302; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 475; ≡ Semnostachya halconensis (Merr.) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 208; Type: BS 5586 Merrill (US, iso), Mindoro: Mindoro Oriental, Mt Halcon, Nov-1906. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Mountain Province, MINDORO. Notes: Primary forests, c. 900m. Native.
  15. Strobilanthes klossii (S.Moore) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 204; ≡ Hemigraphis klossii S.Moore, Trans. Linn. Soc. London, Bot. 9 (1916) 133; Type: from Indonesia, Kloss s.n. (BM, lecto; K, isolecto). = Hemigraphis rivularis Merr., PJS 29 (1926) 488; Type: BS 43268 Ramos (UC, lecto; BM, BO, K, PNH, UC, US, isolecto), Bohol: Bohol, Batuan River, in the bed of small streams in forests, c. 300m, Sep-1923. Distribution: Java, Pacific Ocean, Philippines. BOHOL. Notes: 80-750m. Native.
  16. Strobilanthes linearifolia (Bremek.) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 205; ≡ Hemigraphis linearifolia Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 105; Type: BS 8237 Merrill (L, holo), Mindanao: Zamboanga, Nov/Dec-1911. = Hemigraphis ciliata S.Moore, J. Bot. 58 (1920) 191; Type: from Papua New Guinea: White 796 (BM, lecto). = Hemigraphis lanceolata Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 451; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 472; Type: BS 5413 Merrill (NY, lecto; L, US, isolecto), Balut Island, Oct-1906. = Hemigraphis halconensis Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 105; Type: BS 10687 Ramos & Edaño (L, holo; K, US, iso), Mindoro: Mindoro Oriental, Mt Halcon, Mar-1922. = Hemigraphis simulans Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 106; Type: BS 22084 Ramos (L, holo), Luzon: Camarines Sur, Mt Isarog, Nov-Dec 1913. = Hemigraphis oblongibractea Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 108; Type: BS 11188 McGregor (L, holo; US, iso), Luzon: Nueva Vizcaya, Dupax, Mar/Apr-1912. = Hemigraphis rosmarinifolia Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 115; Type: BS 13207 Foxworthy & Ramos (L, holo), Luzon: Quezon, Quinatacutan, Mar-1911. = Hemigraphis lancibractea Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 16; Type: PNH 3329 Edaño (U, holo; A, PNH, iso), Mindoro: Mindoro Oriental, Mt Halcon, along Catuiran River, on forested slope, 833m, 22-Feb-1948. Distribution: Australia, Java, New Guinea, Philippines. BALUT, BOHOL, CATANDUANES, GUIMARAS, LUZON: Albay, ?Aurora (photos), Camarines Sur, Laguna, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Sorsogon, MASBATE, MINDANAO: Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, Zamboanga, MINDORO, NEGROS, PANAY, POLILLO, SAMAR. Notes: 150-833m. Native.
  17. Strobilanthes longipetiolata (Merr.) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 204; ≡ Hemigraphis longipetiolata Merr., PJS 29 (1926) 488; Type: BS 43111 Ramos (UC, lecto; BM, BO, K, SING, US, isolecto), Bohol: Kalingohan, open forest on rocky slopes, 1000ft, 17-Aug-1923. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BOHOL. Notes: Open forest on rocky slopes (judging from the locality, possibly on limestone). 300m. Native.
  18. Strobilanthes mcgregorii Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 443 (2020) 300; ≡ Strobilanthes mediocris (Bremek.) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 205, nom. illeg., non Benoist; ≡ Hemigraphis mediocris Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 107; Type: BS 11351 McGregor (L, holo). Luzon: Nueva Vizcaya, Dupax, Mar-Apr 1912. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Kalinga, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya. Native.
  19. Strobilanthes mearnsii Merr., PJS 4c (1909) 322; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 475. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Benguet, Mountain Province. Notes: Wet thickets and forests. 1400-2000m. Native.
  20. Strobilanthes merrillii C.B.Clarke, Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35 (1906) 92; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 475; ≡ Semnostachya merrillii (C.B.Clarke) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 208. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Bataan, Benguet, Laguna, MINDORO. Notes: Ridges on mossy forests, 1000-1300m. Native.
  21. Strobilanthes pachys C.B.Clarke ex Merr., PJS 20 (1922) 456; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 475; ≡ Semnostachya pachys (C.B.Clarke ex Merr.) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 208; Type: Vidal 3012 (K, holo), Luzon: Caraballo Sur mtns, according to Merrill (1922) probably collected along trail between Dupax (in Nueva Vizcaya) and Carranglan (Nueva Ecija). Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Aurora (photos), Ilocos Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, Quezon, Rizal. Notes: Forests, 900m. Native.
  22. Strobilanthes palawanensis Elmer, LPB 5 (1913) 1686; Verh. Nederl. Akad. Wetensch., Amst., Afd. Natuurk., sec. 2, 41 (1944) 232; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 475; ≡ Hymenochlaena palawanensis (Elmer) Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 11; ≡ Goldfussia palawanensis (Elmer) Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 232; Type: Elmer 13249, Palawan: Mt Pulgar (= Thumb Peak). Distribution: Philippines, Singapore. PALAWAN. Notes: Primary forests, 200-500m. DAO category: Vulnerable. Native.
  23. Strobilanthes pauciflora (Merr.) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 204; ≡ Hemigraphis pauciflora Merr., PJS 13c (1918) 61; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 473; Type: BS 27543 Ramos (NY, lecto; BM, K, US isolecto), Luzon: Ilocos Norte, Bangui, along streams in forest at low elevation, 9-Mar-1917. = Hemigraphis hirsutissima Merr., PJS 13c (1918) 60; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 472; Type: BS 27258 Ramos (K, lecto; US, isolecto), Luzon: Ilocos Norte, Burgos, Feb/Mar-1917. = Hemigraphis benguettensis Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 107; Type: Elmer 8469 (L, holo; BO, E, K, NY, iso), Luzon: Benguet, Baguio, Mar-1907. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. BOHOL, CATANDUANES, LUZON: Apayao (photos), Benguet, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Mountain Province, Quezon (photos), MINDORO, PANAY, ROMBLON. Notes: Low elevation streams, on boulders. (?-)1100-2000m. Native.
  24. Strobilanthes pluriformis C.B.Clarke, Publ. Bur. Sci. Gov. Lab. 35 (1906) 93; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 475. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Apayao (photos), Aurora, Bataan, Batangas, Benguet, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Laguna, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Quezon, Quirino (photos), Rizal, MINDORO. Notes: Mossy forests. 1000-2000m. Native.
  25. Strobilanthes reptans (G.Forst.) Moylan ex Y.F.Deng & J.R.I.Wood, Fl. China 19 (2011) 390; ≡ Hemigraphis reptans (G.Forst.) T.Anderson ex Hemsl., Rep. Voy. Challenger, Bot. 1 (1884) 173; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 658; ≡ Ruellia reptans G.Forst., Fl. Ins. Austr. (1786) 44; Type: from Vanuatu: Forster s.n. (BM, lecto; K, P, isolecto). = Hemigraphis parabolica (Nees) Fern.-Vill., Fl. Filip., 3rd Ed. 4(Nov. App.) (1880) 153; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 472; ≡ Ruellia parabolica Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 144; Type: Cuming 571 (K, lecto; BM, isolecto), Luzon: Laguna. = Hemigraphis primulifolia (Nees) Fern.-Vill., Fl. Filip., 3rd Ed. 4(Nov. App.) (1880) 153; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 473; Hsieh & Huang in Huang (ed.). Fl. Taiwan, ed. 2, 4 (1998) 658; ≡ Hemigraphis reptans var. primulifolia (Nees) Hallier f., Nov. Actorum Acad. Caes. Leop.-Carol. Nat. Cur. 70 (1897) 208; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 443; ≡ Ruellia primulifolia Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 144; Type: Haenke s.n. (PR, lecto), Sorsogon. = Hemigraphis oblongifolia Merr., PJS 11c (1916) 204; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 472; Type: BS 24240 Ramos (L, lecto; BM, GH, US, isolecto), Samar: Catubig River, Feb/Mar-1916. = Hemigraphis rapifera Hallier f. ex Koord., Meded. Lands Plantentuin 19 (1898) 555, nom. inval., nom. nud.; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 473; Type: from Sulawesi. = Hemigraphis cardiophylla Quisumb., PJS 41 (1930) 359; Type: BS 44041 Ramos & Edaño (UC, lecto; BM, isolecto). = Hemigraphis tayabensis Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 119; Type: BS 13103 Foxworthy & Ramos (L, holo), Luzon: Quezon, Guinayangan, Feb-1911. = Hemigraphis lanaensis Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 41 (1944) 122; Type: Clemens s.n. (B, holo), Mindanao: Lanao, Camp Keithley. = Hemigraphis diffusa Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 14; Type: Edano 272 (U, holo), Palawan: Puerto Princesa. = Hemigraphis parvifolia Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 18; Type: PNH 10504 Mendoza & Convocar (A, holo (according to L.L. Co); L, lecto (according to Moylan et al. 2002); PNH, isolecto), Mindanao: Surigao del Norte, Mt Kabatuan, on rocks along forested slopes, 680m, 22-Mar-1949. = Hemigraphis polillensis Bremek., PJS 80 (1952) 17; Type: PNH 8953 RB Fox (PNH, holo, A, U, iso), Polillo: NE part, Karlagan, forest, 19-Nov-1948. = Hemigraphis sublobata Elmer, LPB 2 (1909) 591; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 474; Type: Elmer 9665 (L, MO, US, iso), Negros: Negros Oriental, Cuernos Mtns, Mar-1908. Distribution: Moluccas, Philippines, Ryukyu Isls, Sulawesi, Taiwan. ALABAT, BABUYAN ISLS, BALABAC, BOHOL, CAMOTES, CEBU, DINAGAT, GUIMARAS, LEYTE, LUZON: Apayao, Bataan, Bulacan, Cagayan, Cavite, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Isabela, Laguna, Mountain Province, NCR, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Rizal, Sorsogon, Zambales, MASBATE, MINDANAO: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Cotabato, Davao Oriental, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental (photos), South Cotabato, Surigao, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, MINDORO (photos), NEGROS, PALAWAN, PANAY, POLILLO, ROMBLON, SAMAL, SAMAR, SIQUIJOR (photos), SULU ARCHIPELAGO, TAWI-TAWI. Notes: Lowland and medium elevation forests, shaded cliffs and small stream embankments, streams and gullies, old clearings, etc., etc. Common. 0-650m to 926-1284m (photos). Native.
  26. Strobilanthes rhytiphylla (Nees) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 206; ≡ Hemigraphis rhytiphylla (Nees) Fern.-Vill., Fl. Filip., 3rd Ed. 4(Nov. App.) (1880) 153; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 473; ≡ Ruellia rhytiphylla Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 150; Type: Cuming 1076 (or 1016?) (K, lecto; BM, E-GL, K, L, M, P, WU, isolecto). Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Abra, Albay, Benguet, Camarines Norte, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Mountain Province, Pangasinan. Notes: Low and medium elevation, ascending to 1000m, in open places, steep banks, thickets, etc. Native.
  27. Strobilanthes viridis (Merr.) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 206; ≡ Hemigraphis viridis Merr., PJS 13c (1918) 59; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 474; Type: BS 27587 Ramos (NY, lecto; BM, BO, K, L, US, isolecto), Luzon: Ilocos Norte, Bangui, Feb/Mar-1917. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Kalinga, Nueva Vizcaya. Notes: Low elevation forests. Native.
  28. Strobilanthes zwickeyae (Moylan) Y.F.Deng, Phytotaxa 404 (2019) 205; ≡ Hemigraphis zwickeyae Moylan, Kew Bull. 57 (2002) 805; Type: Zwickey 353 (GH, holo; US, iso), Mindanao: Lanao, vicinity of Abaga, elevation below 400m, 13-Oct-1938. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Aurora, Quezon, MINDANAO: Lanao, Lanao del Norte. Notes: 100-400m. Native.

Thunbergia Retz.

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 10 February 2025
  1. Thunbergia alata Bojer ex Sims, Bot. Mag. 52 (1825) t.2591; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 440; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 468. Distribution: Africa. LUZON: Bataan, Kalinga (photos), Rizal. Notes: Now pantropic; thoroughly naturalized in waste places and thickets in the lowlands. Also cultivated. Invasive species (CABI 2017). Naturalized.
  2. Thunbergia benguettensis Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 50 (1955) 76; Type: R.S. Williams 935 (NY), Luzon: Benguet, Kias (present-day Baguio), Sep-1904. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Benguet. Native.
  3. Thunbergia brachypoda Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 50 (1955) 59; Type: Elmer 13076 (L, holo; NY, iso). Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN. Native.
  4. Thunbergia brachytyla Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 50 (1955) 72; Type: BS 98 Piper (L), Mindanao: Zamboanga del Norte, (indicated as Province of Misamis in label), Dapitan, Apr-1911. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. MINDANAO: Zamboanga del Norte. Native.
  5. Thunbergia fragrans Roxb., Pl. Coromandel 1 (1796) 47; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 440; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 468. = Thunbergia subsagittata Blanco, Fl. Filip., 1st Ed. (1837) 518; Type: Merrill Species Blancoanae 963 (US, illustrative specimen), Luzon: Bataan, Lamao, Dec-1915. = Thunbergia subsagittata var. hirsutifolia Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 50 (1955) 75; Type: Warburg 11726 (NY), Luzon: Cagayan. Distribution: India to Australia. HUNDRED ISLS (photos), LUZON: Abra (photos), Bataan, Bulacan, Cagayan, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Rizal, Sorsogon, MINDANAO: Lanao del Sur (photos), MINDORO, PALAWAN, PANAY (photos). Notes: Throughout the Philippines in most islands and provinces. Low and medium elevation thickets. 250m (photos). Variable in vegetative characters. Native.
  6. Thunbergia grandiflora Roxb., Fl. Ind. (Roxburgh) 3 (1832) 34; Hort. Beng. (1814) 45, nom. inval., nom. nud.; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 439; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 469. Distribution: India. LUZON: Laguna, Rizal, MINDANAO: Misamis Oriental (photos), PANAY (photos). Notes: Commonly planted in the Philippines for ornamental purposes. Naturalized in secondary forest in Antipolo and Mt Makiling (W. Suarez, 16-Apr-21 pers. comm.). 150m (photos). Naturalized.
  7. Thunbergia ilocana Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 50 (1955) 77; Type: BS 32756 Ramos (L, iso), Luzon: Ilocos Norte, Burgos, Jul-1918. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. LUZON: Ilocos Norte. DAO category: Critically Endangered. Native.
  8. Thunbergia mysorensis (Wight) T.Anderson, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 9 (1867) 448; ≡ Hexacentris mysorensis Wight, Icon. Pl. Ind. Orient. (Wight) 3 (1844) t.871. Distribution: India. LUZON: Laguna. Notes: Naturalized in secondary forest in Mt Makiling (W. Suarez, 16-Apr-21 pers. comm.). Naturalized.
  9. Thunbergia palawanensis Bremek., Verh. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wetensch., Afd. Natuurk., 2nd Sect. 50 (1955) 59. Distribution: Endemic to the Philippines. PALAWAN. Native.

Cultivated, not naturalized

  1. Thunbergia erecta (Benth.) T.Anderson, J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 7 (1864) 18; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 440; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 468; ≡ Meyenia erecta Benth., Niger Fl. (1849) 476. Distribution: Africa. Notes: Introduced in the Philippines around 1900, cultivated as an ornamental but nowhere spontaneous. Cultivated, not naturalized.
  2. Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl., Gard. Chron., 1st Ser. 1856 (1856) 260; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 469. Distribution: Malay Peninsula. Notes: Occasionally planted in the Philippines for ornamental purposes. Cultivated, not naturalized.

Thyrsacanthus Moric. (Not native)

Last edited by Pieter B. Pelser, 12 September 2020

Cultivated, not naturalized

  1. Thyrsacanthus nitidus (Jacq.) Nees, Prodr. (A. P. de Candolle) 11 (1847) 327; ≡ Odontonema nitidum (Jacq.) Kuntze, Revis. Gen. Pl. 2 (1891) 494; Merr., Fl. Manila (1912) 437; Merrill, EPFP 3 (1923) 483; ≡ Justicia nitida Jacq., Enum. Syst. Pl. (1760) 11. Distribution: Caribbean. Cultivated, not naturalized.

References