A clumping, evergreen perennial, reaching up to 8 x 3 feet, that is native to southeastern Brazil.
The lance-shaped leaves, up to 12 x 2 inches in size, are glossy deep green. The leaves are spiralled around the stems.
The very showy, violet-blue flowers, up to 0.7 inches long, are borne on inflorescnces up to 8 inches long, from early summer to mid-autumn but sometimes all year in mild climates.
Hardy zones 10 to 12. It is sometimes grown as an annual in planters in cooler climates. It prefers partial shade on moist, fertile, light, well drained soil. Insect or disease problems do not normally occur.
* photos taken on Oct 17 2014 @ the Smithsonian, Washington, DC
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