Pentas Lanceolata

The genus Peritas Benth. is a member of the Rubiaceae and consists of approximately 30 species native to tropical regions of South Africa and Madagascar. The only species of importance in horticulture is P. lanceolata Schum. which is grown as a cut flower, an ornamental potted plant, or occasionally as a bedding plant. Recent advances in breeding have yielded dwarfer and more colorful cvs, and interest has been renewed in Peritas research. ^{4 , 5 , 9}