Back
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!
Name
| Family Name | |
| Genus Epithet | |
| Species Epithet | |
| Name Authority | |
| Name Status (botanical) | |
| Synonyms | |
| Common Names | |
| Comments | |
| 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. |