Family: Acanthaceae
Compound: Dic res
Synonyms: Diapedium resupinatum, Diapedium torreyi, Dicliptera pseudoverticillaris, Dicliptera
torreyi, Justicia resupinata
Geographic Origin: SE AZ, W MX
Characteristics: A perennial herb with an upright growing habit. Up to 0.6-0.9m (2-3ft) tall and
similarly wide. Stems are densely branched, smooth, but with some hair at the nodes
developing with age. Leaves are a bright green, and ovate/lanceolate in shape. They are usually
smooth but may have some small hairs. Petioles are about 2cm (0.75in) long, with the leaves
measuring up to 8cm (3in) long. Flowers are on a cyme, and often occur in clusters of 3. The
corolla is light purple and tubular-bilabiate. The flowers are 2cm (0.75in) long, the upper lip of
the petal is purple with white spots and/or streaks, with the larger lower lip being a solid purple
coloration. There are two distinctive heart shaped bracts that enclose the base of each flower,
giving the appearance of “folded wings”. The bracts are green, but dry and turn white or tan
with age, and remain on the stem. The fruit is a smooth, flat capsule, measuring 0.5cm (0.20in)
long, and almost as wide, containing a handful of small, black, roughly textured, kidney shaped
seeds.
Natural History: Commonly found in shady spots along washes and interior to canyons, and is
very prolific in mesquite bosques. This plant is common in dry woodland slopes and riparian
areas and is found at elevations of 914-1828m (3,000-6,000ft).
Cultivation Notes: Suitable for cultivation in full sun – part shade with better performance and
blooming in full sun. This plant is hardy to -3C (26F), commonly dying back to the ground and
returning in the spring. It will re-seed readily. Low to moderate watering once established is
suitable, but it performs best with regular watering in the hottest time of the year. Plants in full
sun may need more water than those in shade. This plant is tolerant of a wide range of soils.
This plant can be readily propagated by seed, and by cutting. Blooms abundantly from April to
October, making it a great option for landscaping and pollinator gardens.
For general plant propagation information, click here
Ethnobotany: Used for landscaping
Citations:
ARIZONA-SONORA DESERT MUSEUM PLANT CARE INFORMATION
https://www.desertmuseum.org/visit/sheets/Dicres.pdf
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower center
https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DIRE4
SEINET Arizona - New Mexico Chapter
https://swbiodiversity.org/seinet/taxa/index.php?taxon=2885&clid=21
Plants of the World Online | Kew Science
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:47660-1
Southwest Desert Flora
https://southwestdesertflora.com/WebsiteFolders/All_Species/Acanthaceae…
pinata,%20Arizona%20Foldwing.html
Dave’s Garden
https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/141783#b
Desert-Tropicals
https://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Acanthaceae/Dicliptera_resupina…
Canotia
https://canotia.org/volumes/Canotia12-Acanthaceae-Daniel-8-13-16.pdf
EOL (Encyclopedia of Life)
https://eol.org/pages/487937
El Paso Desert Blooms
https://elpasodesertblooms.org/eplant.php?plantnum=18541&return=b_aZ
Cabeza Prieta Natural History Association
https://cabezaprieta.org/plant_page.php?id=2317