IDENTIFICATION OF EGYPTIAN STAR CLUSTER (Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers)

EGYPTIAN STAR CLUSTER (Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers)

Pentas lanceolata, commonly known as Egyptian star cluster, is a species of flowering plant in the madder family, Rubiaceae that is native to much of Africa as well as Yemen. It is known for its wide use as a garden plant where it often accompanies butterfly gardens.

Morphological character

Habitus: low shrub, 25-30 cm high. Trunk: Upright, rounded, simpodial branching. Leaves: Single; alternately facing; oval; tapered base; flat edge; pointed tip; pinnate reinforcement; 3-7 cm long; 3-5 cm wide;  green. Flowers; Compound; androgynous; funnel-shaped petals; four stamens; 0.5 cm long; anthers attached to the crown; purple.

Classification

Kingdom           :           Plantae

Clade                 :           Tracheophytes

Clade                 :           Angiosperms

Clade                 :           Eudicots

Clade                 :           Asterids

Order                 :           Gentianales

Family                :           Rubiaceae

Genus                :           Pentas

Species               :           Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers