Pentas lanceolata explained

Pentas lanceolata, commonly known as Egyptian starcluster,^[1] is a species of flowering plant in the madder family, Rubiaceae that is native to tropical Africa from Sudan to Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique, as well as Saudi Arabia and Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula. It is known for its wide use as a garden plant where it often accompanies butterfly gardens.^[2]

Subspecies and varieties

Eight subspecies and varieties are accepted.

• Pentas lanceolata var. angustifolia – Tanzania (Ufipa)
• Pentas lanceolata subsp. cymosa – Comoro Islands
• Pentas lanceolata subsp. lanceolata – Eritrea to Mozambique and Saudi Arabia and Yemen
• Pentas lanceolata var. leucaster – eastern DR Congo to Ethiopia and northern Tanzania
• Pentas lanceolata var. nemorosa – Ethiopia, Kenya, and northern Tanzania
• Pentas lanceolata var. oncostipula – Tanzania, Malawi, and Mozambique
• Pentas lanceolata subsp. quartiniana – Eritrea, Ethiopia, Burundi, and eastern DR Congo
• Pentas lanceolata var. usambarica – eastern Usambara Mountains of Tanzania

Notes and References

1. Web site: Pentas lanceolata on the British Database of World Flora and Fauna . 2008-09-15.
2. Web site: Pentas lanceolata Floridata . 2008-09-15.