Fauna
Flower · GBIF taxon 2908986

Egyptian Star-cluster

Pentas lanceolata

Also known as Egyptian Star Flower, Pentas, Star Cluster

Egyptian star-clusters light up gardens and wild forest margins with dense, rounded clusters of vibrant, five-pointed blossoms that bloom continuously in warm weather. Native to eastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, this evergreen subshrub thrives in full sun and rich soil, forming bushy mounds of dark green, deeply veined foliage. Its tubular flowers produce nectar in abundance, making it an essential ecological bridge for local butterflies, bees, and long-tongued pollinators.

FloweringPollinator MagnetTropical
Egyptian Star-cluster reference1 / 7
Licensed reference(c) Jaro Guzinski, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
  • Aphids
  • Spider Mites
  • Whiteflies
ThreatsHabitat destruction in wild ranges, frost exposure
HabitatsTropical scrub, forest margins, rocky slopes, gardens
Life span3–5 years (as a perennial in frost-free regions)
Classification
  1. OrderGentianales
  2. FamilyRubiaceae
  3. GenusPentas
  4. SpeciesPentas lanceolata
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Look for tight umbrella-like clusters of distinct five-pointed star flowers on erect woody stems.
  • Gardening: Plant in full sun to encourage uninterrupted blooming throughout hot summer months.
  • Pollinator Watching: Visit patches during warm afternoons to observe hovering butterflies and bees.
Related species
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