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Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers
Family Name: | Rubiaceae |
Synonyms: | Manettia lanceolata, Pseudomussaenda lanceolata, Ophiorrhiza lanceolata |
Common Name: | Egyptian Star-cluster, Star-cluster, Maids-of-all-work, Egyptian Star |
Pentas lanceolata or commonly known as Egyptian Star-cluster is a native perennial from tropical East Africa to Southern Arabia that boasts clusters (corymbs) of striking bright red star-shaped flowers and dark green elliptic leaves.It is an attractive ornamental suitable for growing in mass for flowerbeds, or container planting and as houseplant, and attracts butterflies!
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Species Summary |
Classifications and Characteristics
Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Plant Shape | Shrubby |
Maximum Height | 30 cm to 60 cm |
Biogeography
Native Distribution | Tropical East Africa to Southern Arabia |
Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
Growth Form | Perennial shrub |
Foliage | Dark green, opposite leaves are narrowly ovate to lanceolate with entire leaf margin (8 - 14 cm long). Leaves are deeply veined and pubescent (hairy). |
Flowers | Star-shaped, 5-petalled flowers are 1 - 1.5 cm wide and occur in large terminal clusters known as corymbs. This species is free-flowering. |
Fruits | Dry, dehiscent fruits are known as capsules (4 - 5 mm long). |
Associated Fauna | This species is a butterfly nectar plant. |
Cultivation | Easy to grow and should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil that is enriched with compost and organic matter to retain soil moisture. Allow the soil to dry slightly before re-watering. This cultivar blooms best when grown in full sun, but it also flowers in shade. This plant is heat tolerant. Feed plants every month with a balanced fertilizer at half-strength. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds on the soil surface and germination will occur in 5 - 12 days. |
Etymology | The genus "Pentas" is derived from a Greek word that means 5 ("pente"). It may refer to the 5-petalled flowers that occur in this genus. The species epithet "lanceolata" refers to the lanceolate (lance-shaped) leaves. |
Landscaping Features
Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens, Container Planting, Flowerbed / Border |
Thematic Landscaping | Butterfly Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly Food Plant |
Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) |
Plant Care and Propagation
Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
Water Preference | Moderate Water |
Plant Growth Rate | Fast to Moderate |
Planting Distance From | 50 |
Transplanting Tolerance | Moderate |
Maintenance Requirements | Low |
Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Raised / Sunken Veins |
Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green |
Young Flush Texture(s) | Raised / Sunken Veins |
Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Opposite |
Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Elliptical) |
Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
Foliar Margin | Entire |
Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
Foliar Base | Acute |
Non - Foliar and Storage
Stem Type & Modification | Woody |
Root Type | Underground |
Floral (Angiosperm)
Flower & Plant Sexuality 1 | Bisexual Flowers |
Flower Colour(s) | Red |
Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
Flower Location | Terminal |
Flower Symmetry | Radial |
Individual Flower Shape | Stellate / Star-shaped |
Inflorescence Type | Corymb |
Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Image Repository
Images |
Others
Master ID | 1940 |
Species ID | 3232 |
Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |