Egyptian star-cluster (Pentas lanceolata, Voy. Yemen: 142 (1889))

Family: Rubiaceae

Author: (Forssk.) Deflers

Bibliography: Voy. Yemen: 142 (1889)

Year: 1889

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pentas

Vegetable: False

Observations: Ethiopia to Mozambique, Comoros, Arabian Pen.

Description

The Egyptian star-cluster, scientifically identified as Pentas lanceolata, is a fascinating member of the Rubiaceae family. This perennial plant, celebrated for its striking clusters of star-shaped flowers, has captured the interest of botanists and garden enthusiasts alike. Its vibrant blooms come in various colors, including shades of pink, white, red, and purple, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardening.

First described in 1889 in the “Voyage in Yemen,” this species’ botanical history is well-documented by Forsskål and later by Deflers. The rich historical context adds to the plant’s charm and significance in botanical study.

The natural habitat of the Egyptian star-cluster spans a wide geographic range, extending from Ethiopia to Mozambique, including the Comoros and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. This adaptability to diverse environments underscores its resilience and versatility.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Pentas lanceolata plays a crucial role in attracting pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds, which rely on its nectar. Gardeners often utilize this plant to create vibrant, pollinator-friendly landscapes, thus contributing to local biodiversity.

Overall, the Egyptian star-cluster is not just a botanical marvel for its beauty and hardiness but also an integral component of its ecosystem, promoting pollinator activity and enriching the biodiversity of the regions it inhabits.

Common Names

Eng: egyptian star-cluster, egyptian starcluster, star-cluster
Deu: stern von ägypten
Por: estrela-do-egito, pentas
Swe: femudding
En: Egyptian star-cluster, Star-cluster, Egyptian starcluster, Pentas
Am: የዥብ ምርኩዝ
Zh: 五星花, 繁星花
Fi: Viisikki
Fr: Etoile égyptienne, Pentas
De: Stern von Ägypten
Hu: Lándzsás tenyérvirág
Ml: ഈജിപ്ഷ്യൻ നക്ഷത്രപ്പൂക്കൾ
Pt: Estrela-do-egito, Pentas
Sv: Femudding
Zh-tw: 繁星花
Th: เข็มอินเดีย
To: Vāleti siʻi
Zh-hant: 五星花

Synonyms

• Mussaenda aegyptiaca (Poir.)
• Manettia lanceolata ((Forssk.) Vahl)
• Vignaldia luteola (Schweinf.)
• Virecta lanceolata ((Forssk.) Baill.)
• Neurocarpaea lanceolata ((Forssk.) R.Br. ex Hiern)
• Ophiorrhiza lanceolata (Forssk.)
• Pseudomussaenda lanceolata ((Forssk.) Wernham)

Distribution

• Bangladesh (native)
• Burundi (native)
• Comoros (native)
• Djibouti (native)
• Eritrea (native)
• Ethiopia (native)
• Kenya (native)
• Malawi (native)
• Mozambique (native)
• Rwanda (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sudan (native)
• Tanzania (native)
• Uganda (native)
• Yemen (native)
• Zaïre (native)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Gilbert Is. (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marshall Is. (introduced)
• Norfolk Is. (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Jun 1, 2020 by Suzanne Peint (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Elle Scorpio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 31, 2021 by K O (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 29, 2017 by Rosanna Freyre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2017 by Pierre Maillot (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 14, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 9, 2021 by Jonathan Golan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by michele sisto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 10, 2021 by Gandolfo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 31, 2020 by juan llanos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2021 by amy rose (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2020 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jul 29, 2021 by Vanessa Chiariello (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by dixie cousins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2022 by Manvi Singh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2020 by 由美子 MiS (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Dec 28, 2021 by John Lööf Green (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 21, 2021 by Richard Chesher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2021 by daniele granger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 19, 2015 by Tela Botanica − 羅亞琪 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 16, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Felipe Felipe (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2021 by dixie cousins (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2908986)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:760275-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Shrub

Growth