Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers

• Common Name: Star Cluster, Egyptian Star Cluster
• Family: Rubiaceae Juss.

• Country of Origin: eastern tropical Africa to southern Arabia
• Habitat:

• Description: [syn Pentas carnea Benth.]

  This erect, straggling subshrub grows to a height of 24 in (60 cm) and a spread of 3 ft (1 m). Leaves ovate to lanceolate, to 3.5 inches long, hairy; flowers dimorphic, calyx lobes unequal.

  It is grown for the spring/summer appearance of its clusters of tubular, red, pink, lilac or white flowers, set among bright green, hairy leaves.

• Culture: Although very frost tender and only suitable for outdoor cultivation in very mild climates, they are easily grown as house plants and the new dwarf strains can be treated as bedding or pot annuals. Plant in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or part-shade and pinch back regularly to maintain a compact habit and to encourage bloom. Deadhead as required and trim lightly in early spring. Water generously when in full growth. Propagate from seed in spring or from softwood cuttings in summer.

• USDA Zone: 10-12

Additional images for this accession:

Accession Data:

• Accession # 198500651
• Source: Unknown
• Accession Date: 12-31-1985
• Bench: 1107 - AFR:African Savannah A
• Qty: 3 confirmed on 05-23-2013

Classification:

• Division: Magnoliophyta
• Class: Magnoliopsida
• SubClass: euasterid I
• Order: Gentianales
• SubOrder:
• Family: Rubiaceae
• SubFamily: Rubioideae
• Tribe: Hedyotideae
• SubTribe:

References:

Botanica, Turner & Wasson, 1997, CD-ROM Version

data regenerated on Thu, 23 May 2013 13:39:39 -0400