Genus of about 150 species of evergreen perennials and soft-stemmed or woody shrubs and subshrubs from tropical America, warm parts of North America, and Africa and Asia. The leaves are opposite and entire, and may be stalked or stalkless. The velvety leaves of Ruellia (Monkey Plant) are tinged with purple and veined in silver, the flowers are 2 in. long flared trumpets. The stems droop gracefully- this plant is suitable for hanging baskets.