The Ruspolia seticalyx (C.B. Clarke) Milne-Redh. species was introduced for the first time in "Dendrology Garden"

On 1 April,  2024, the Ruspolia seticalyx (C.B. Clarke) Milne-Redh. seeds obtained from the Botanical Garden of the P.J.Safarik University in Slovakia were introduced for the first time by the "Ecology and Acclimatization" laboratory of the "Dendrology Garden" public legal entity (PLE) under the authority of the head of the Executive Power of Baku City.

This species, native to Africa and widespread in countries such as Congo, Tanzania, and Madagascar, belongs to the Acanthaceae family and has a decorative shrub shape of 0.5-1.2 m in height.

The first seedlings were obtained from the seeds of the species on 12 May, 2024, and the biometric measurements recorded a leaf length of 14 cm, a width of 10 cm, and a plant height of 40 cm. Since July 18, 2024, the individuals have been transferred to the open field, seed samples have been taken from the mother plant, and the research has continued the following year.

In 2025, both seed and vegetative propagation were carried out, and a new healthy individual was obtained from the stem section.

Our two-year observations covering 2024-2025 confirmed that the species is highly adapted to the conditions of Absheron. While the plant was 28-30 cm tall in the first year, after being transferred to the open field, it developed to 36 cm in 2025, the number of side branches increased, and the umbrella expanded.

The potential for use in single and group plantings was studied according to its aesthetic indicators, abundant flowering was observed in full sun conditions, and it was determined that the plant is resistant to drought and high temperatures.

The obtained research consequences indicate that the cultivation of the Ruspolia seticalyx species in Absheron has high prospects in terms of both decorative landscape design and ecological adaptation.