RAVENALA MADAGASCARIENSIS 

Family Strelitziaceae

Ravenala madagascariensis is native to Madagascar and is closely related to the banana.  It is drought tolerant and likes to grow in a bright sunny spot, even direct sunlight but not exposed to high winds, which mar the appearance of the leaves.  Updated 10/9/2018

RHIPSALIS CEREOIDES 

Family Cactaceae

Rhipsalis cereoides is native to Brazil.  This is an epiphyte/terrestrial cactus and prefers bright light, not direct sun.  Grow this either in a pot, or on tree where it can naturalise itself. If grown in a pot, as with all cacti, watch out for root rot. Updated 10/9/2018

RIVINA HUMILIS 

Family Phytolaccaceae

Rivina humilis is both a real beauty and a pest too.  It is an attractive, drought and saline tolerant, delicate looking plant with small white flowers and masses of red berries, making it a great low maintenance ground cover.  We brought one plant, now it is everywhere.  Updated 10/9/2018

 

ROSA

Roses don’t like the coastal climate.  For roses to do well, they need hot sunny days, with a definite night temperature drop.   This particular plant grows in dappled shade and flowers frequently.  The blooms are sweetly scented.  Updated 10/9/2018

 

RUELLIA TWEEDIANA 

Family Acanthaceae

Ruellia tweediana generously puts on a show every morning.  The flowers last until mid-day. Next morning there is another flush of flowers. Plant Ruellia tweediana beside Tabernaemontana, the two plants complement each other. It is an invasive exotic that grows well at the coast, in most soils, withstanding dry conditions.  Updated 10/9/2018

RUSSELIA EQUISETIFORMIS 

Family Scrophulariaceae

Russelia equisetiformis is native to Mexico.  It is a weeping shrub so it can be hard to find a place for it to show its beauty and prevent the stems reaching the ground and getting trodden on.  It is worth a place in the garden, as it grows and flowers well and needs no special care.  It attracts birds and butterflies.  Updated 10/9/2018

 

RUTTYA FRUTICOSA 

Family Acanthaceae

Ruttya fruticosa is native to eastern tropical Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania).  It is named in honour of John Rutty (1697-1775) the English physician and naturalist.   It grows well in a large pot and flowers continually giving much pleasure.   It is not particular about the soil but prefers a slightly acidic mixture.   The plant is useful for animal fodder, and the flowers attract bees.  Updated 10/9/2018