Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Gentianales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
purpurea
ID:
267678

Status:
valid

Authors:
Oliv.

Source:
wcs

Year:
1873

Citation Micro:
Trans. Linn. Soc. London 29: 83 (1873)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000267010

Common Names

  • Purple Star Cluster
  • Purple Pentas
  • Purple Starflower

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Synonyms

  • Neurocarpaea purpurea (Oliv.) Hiern [valid]
  • Pentas purpurea buchananii Scott-Elliot [unknown]

Description

Pentas purpurea (also called Starcluster, Starflower, Egyptian Starcluster, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family. It is native to tropical Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is found in dry grasslands, wooded grasslands, and scrublands.

Uses & Benefits

Pentas purpurea is a popular ornamental plant, used in gardens and as a cut flower. It is also known to attract butterflies and bees.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Pentas purpurea sub. mechowiana (K.Schum.) Verdc.
Pentas purpurea sub. purpurea

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

Pentas purpurea has small, white, star-shaped flowers with five petals. The flowers are clustered together in a head-like shape. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are small and have oval-shaped leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Pentas purpurea is a perennial herb that is native to East Africa. It grows best in well-drained, sandy soils in full sun to partial shade. Propagation is done by seed or division. Seeds should be sown in spring in a warm, sunny location. Division should be done in spring or fall.

Where to Find Pentas purpurea

Pentas purpurea is native to tropical Africa, including Ethiopia, Sudan, and Nigeria.

Pentas purpurea FAQ

What is the scientific name of Pentas purpurea?

Pentas purpurea

What is the common name of Pentas purpurea?

Purple Pentas

What is the natural habitat of Pentas purpurea?

Dry grassland, scrubland, and open woodlands

Species in the Rubiaceae family

Acranthera abbreviata, Acranthera anamallica, Acranthera athroophlebia, Acranthera atropella, Acranthera aurantiaca, Acranthera axilliflora, Acranthera bullata, Acranthera capitata, Acranthera ceylanica, Acranthera didymocarpa, Acranthera endertii, Acranthera frutescens, Acranthera grandiflora, Acranthera hallieri, Acranthera hirtostipula, Acranthera involucrata, Acranthera johannis-winkleri, Acranthera lanceolata, Acranthera longipes, Acranthera longipetiolata, Acranthera maculata, Acranthera megaphylla, Acranthera monantha, Acranthera nieuwenhuisii, Acranthera ophiorhizoides, Acranthera parviflora, Acranthera philippensis, Acranthera ruttenii, Acranthera salmonea, Acranthera siamensis, Acranthera siliquosa, Acranthera simalurensis, Acranthera sinensis, Acranthera strigosa, Acranthera tomentosa, Acranthera variegata, Acranthera velutinervia, Acranthera yatesii, Acranthera philippinensis, Acranthera burmanica, Acranthera virescens, Acranthera hoangii, Acranthera collina, Acrobotrys discolor, Acrosynanthus jamaicensis, Acrosynanthus latifolius, Acrosynanthus minor, Acrosynanthus ovatus, Acrosynanthus parvifolius, Acrosynanthus revolutus,

References

The Plant List v1.1 record kew-150022: Based on the initial data import
Daniel Oliver (1830-1916): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Oliv.' in the authors string.