Notice

Colin Mills, compiler of the Hortus Camdenensis, died in late November 2012 after a short illness. As he always considered the Hortus his legacy, it is his family's intention to keep the site running in perpetuity. It will not, however, be updated in the near future.

Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers.

Frost-tender, erect or prostrate, woody-based, evergreen perennial with lance-shaped, hairy leaves, to 15cm long, and corymbs of long-tubed, pink, magenta, blue, lilac or white flowers, to 1.5cm across, from spring to autumn. To 2m.  [RHSE, Hortus].

Horticultural & Botanical History

Introduced to Britain in 1842. ‘Our stoves have lately exhibited a fine flowering plant, under the name of Sipanea carnea, well worthy of general cultivation. Mr. Makoy of Liege, I believe, introduced it to England: at least, the Royal Botanic Garden of Kew is indebted for the possession of it to that liberal cultivator.’  [BM t.4086/1844, JD].  

‘This desirable plant, though not of very recent introduction is deserving of especial notice.  Its numerous trusses of delicate rose-coloured blossoms will be found very useful where cut flowers are much wanted.’  [Gard. Chron. 1853].  FC p.146/1844.  MB p.125/1844.  FS f.978/1855.

History at Camden Park

Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [T.739/1857].  Possibly obtained from James Backhouse, Kew Gardens or the London Horticultural Society.  It was included among desiderata in a letter to Backhouse dated 10th April 1846 [MP A2933-1, p.136], to John Lindley on 15th February 1848 [MP A2933-1, p.157], and to Kew at about the same time [MP A2933-1, p.165] although not marked ‘arrived’ on Macarthur’s copies.  It was requested again of Kew on 1st February, 1849 [MP A2933-1, p.177] and of Lindley again on 1st February, 1849 [MP A2933-1, p.182a].

Notes

Published Feb 08, 2010 - 02:47 PM | Last updated Feb 08, 2010 - 03:03 PM

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Figured are oblong-lanceolate leaves and dense corymb of pink flowers. Curtis's Botanical Magazine t.4086, 1844.

Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers. | BM t.4086/1844 | BHL

Family Rubiaceae
Category
Region of origin

Yemen to tropical East Africa
Synonyms
  • Pentas carnea Benth.
  • Pentas quartiniana Oliv.
  • Pentas klotzschii Vatke
  • Neurocarpea lanceolata R.Br.
  • Ophioriza lanceolata Forssk.
  • Sipanea carnea Neumann
  • Manettia lanceolata Vahl.
  • Orthostemma roseum Wall. ex Voigt
  • Pentanisia suffruticosa Klotzsch
  • Virecta carnea K.Sch.
Common Name

Egyptian star cluster, Star cluster
Name in the Camden Park Record

Pentas carnea  
Confidence level high