What is "pentas"

Pentas is a genus of plants in the family Rubiaceae. The plants have hairy green leaves and clusters of flowers in shades of red, white, pink, and purple. Pentas are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Some species are commonly cultivated and can be grown in pots and baskets. Species such as P. lanceolata can withstand full sunlight and need little to no care, growing even in locations that are dry and hot.

Species include:

• Pentas angustifolia
• Pentas arvensis
• Pentas caffensis
• Pentas cleistostoma
• Pentas glabrescens
• Pentas herbacea
• Pentas lanceolata (Egyptian starcluster)
• Pentas micrantha
• Pentas nervosa
• Pentas pauciflora
• Pentas pubiflora
• Pentas purpurea
• Pentas purseglovei
• Pentas suswaensis
• Pentas tibestica
• Pentas zanzibarica