Dyschoriste is a genus of flowering plants in the family of Acanthaceae. It includes 98 species natives to the tropics and subtropics of the Americas, sub-Saharan Africa, and southern Asia. Members of the genus are commonly known as snake-herb.

Dyschoriste thunbergiiflora is a beautiful subshrub belonging Dyschoriste genus. The plant is naturally found in East Africa (South Ethiopia, Kenya, Eastern Uganda) and Mozambique on forest margins and in bushland, often on stony soils or rocky hills. Dyschoriste originates from the Greek, ‘dys’ meaning with difficulty and ‘choristos’ separated (referring to the valves of the capsules which adhere tightly to each other). Thunbergiiflora meaning with flowers like those of the genus Thunbergia. Plant was used to known as Calophanes thunbergiiflora.

Purple Bells is a fast-growing, much-branched, subshrub up to 2 m high and 1,5 m wide. The dark green, 5-10 cm long leaves are lanceolate to elliptical in shape. The flowers occur in the leaf axils, they are tubular in shape, usually 2 to 5 cm long, and can vary from blue to bright purple. One to four flowers can appear in an axil. The tubular flowers characteristically have a 2-lobed upper lip and a 3-lobed lower lip that is marked with deep purple spots and splotches in lines into the throat. The corolla tube, which consists of five petals, has four stamens and a curved style. Flowering occurs from late spring, through the summer months into autumn attracting a range of pollinators. The flowers are followed by cylindrical capsules containing four seeds.

Dyschoriste thunbergiiflora is an evergreen subshrub that can tolerate some sun during the day but prefers semi-shaded conditions. Plant thrives in warm climates, preferring temperate to tropical weather patterns, fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Once established, it is tolerant of dry conditions. The plants are supposed to frost sensitive, Palmiye Merkezi studies about cold tolerance of the plant is continuing.  Regular tip pruning is needed for neat compact growth and to encourage more flowers. Propagation easily done by seeds and cuttings.

Purple Bells plays an essential role in its ecosystem. As a flowering plant, it provides nectar and pollen, serving as a food source for various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. These interactions enhance biodiversity, supporting not only the health of the ecosystem but also the survival of pollinators, which are critical for many food crops and other plants.

Use in Landscape: Dyschoriste thunbergiiflora is used mainly as an ornamental plant. It is an excellent decorative garden plant suitable for use in home gardens, parks and Mediterranean gardens in frost free areas. They do well and look lovely planted near to water features or ponds. As responds well to pruning and shaping it is good for screening and formal hedging. It also makes an excellent container plant. Florists may use this plant for its striking blooms, in flower arrangements.