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