Acanthaceae

The Acanthaceaeare dicotyledonous flowering plants.The members of the family include approximately 250 genera and over 2,500 species.They are most often herbaceous, shrubs, twining vines and rarely – small trees.Among themcan be seen lianas, xerophytes and marsh plants.Some species have bright colorful leaves (the genus Hypoestes Sol. ex R.Br, Fittonia Coem.),while others have ear-shaped inflorescences with large appealing bracts (Pachystachys Nees).These plants are widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical regions on all continents.Many species of the Acanthaceaefamily are appreciated as houseplants and even more frequently as greenhouse plants.