Commemorating Dr John Rutty (1697–1775), an Irish naturalist.

Evergreen shrubs. Leaves opposite and ovate, margin entire. Flowers in short spikes with linear bracts. Calyx of 5 narrow sepals united shortly at the base. Flower tube broad, with 5 lobes, the upper 2 joined to form a notched lip, the lower lip of 3 fused petals. Stamens 2, each with 1 branch and 1 anther chamber. Fruit a hairless, ellipsoid capsule containing 4 seeds.

R. fruticosa is grown for its attractive and unusual flowers.

Seed and softwood cuttings.

Stamens with 1 anther cell.

3 species from tropical and southern Africa.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Acanthaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.