LISIANTHUS

LISIANTHUS

Lisianthus (Eustoma Grandiflorum) is a genus of 3 species in the family Gentianaceae. Lisianthus are found in warm regions of the Southern United States, Mexico, Caribbean and northern South America. Lisianthus is popular in horticulture, as an ornamental, a potted indoor plant, and a cut flower.

Kingdom

Plantae

Division

Magnoliophyta

Class

Magnoliopsida

Order

Gentianales

Family

Gentianaceae

Genus

Eustoma

Growing to 15 - 60 cms in height, Lisianthus plants are herbaceous annuals which have bluish green, slightly succulent leaves and a large funnel shaped flowers growing on the long straight stems. These plants are mostly found growing in grasslands and areas of disturbed grounds.

Lisianthus are large gentian-like bell-shaped flowers with flaring pale purple petal-like lobes. They bloom in summer from the upper leaf axils. Long-lasting flowers with four wide ruffled, delicate petals and oval leaves, they come in various colors such as white, various shades of pink, lavender, deep purple, and bi-colors such as blue-violet. Double and single Lisianthus flower varieties exist as well.

The Common names of Lisianthus are Prairie Gentian, Texas bluebell, Tulip gentian, Bluebells and Lira de San Pedro.

Lisianthus are long-stemmed flowers in cymes, with often only a few openings at a time. Sepals on Lisianthus are only fused close to the base and are much smaller than petals. The petals on Lisianthus are purple or bluish, large and rounded, with only a fuse at the base. The petals form a trumpet or funnel-shaped corolla, and are often yellow on the inside close to the mouth of the flowers. The stamens of the Lisianthus are inserted close to the base of the petals along with long and slightly twisted anthers. The Lisianthus stigmas are bilobed. Garden Lisianthus cultivars typically grow 18-30 inches tall, although some dwarf varieties (6-8 inches tall) are also available. Lisianthus is also known as a glabrous herb.

Facts about Lisianthus

• Eustoma grandiflorum was formerly known by the scientific name of Lisianthus russellianus.
• Eustoma is named after the Greek words eu (beautiful, good, well-), and stoma (mouth).
• Single forms of Lisianthus resemble full blown Tulips or Poppies.
• Double forms of Lisianthus reminds one of Roses or Peonies.
• The name Lisianthus comes from the Greek words lysis, meaning dissolution and anthos, meaning flower.