Cyanotis somaliensis

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Cyanotis somaliensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Commelinales
Family: Commelinaceae
Genus: Cyanotis
Species:
C. somaliensis
Binomial name
Cyanotis somaliensis
C.B.Clarke

Cyanotis somaliensis, pussy ears, is a species of flowering plant in the family Commelinaceae, described in 1895. It is endemic to Somalia in East Africa.[1][2][3][4] Growing to 12 cm (4.7 in) tall by 50 cm (20 in) broad, it is an evergreen perennial with hairy, slightly succulent leaves and, in summer, three-lobed blue or purple flowers which resemble those of Tradescantia, a closely related genus.

This plant is valued for its ornamental properties. In temperate regions it must be grown under glass, as it does not tolerate temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F). It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[5] It prefers rather dry conditions in bright light.[6]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. ^ Thulin, M. (ed.) (2006). Flora of Somalia 3: 1-626. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
  3. ^ Aluka entry
  4. ^ GBIF entry
  5. ^ "Cyanotis somaliensis". www.rhs.org. Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Cyanotis somaliensis". World of Succulents. 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 May 2020.