Pentas lanceolata 20170510_155424

Happy Friday my followers,

Before Lydia-Senpai and I took off to Alabama I was able to go for a walk and get multiple shots of these pretty star-shaped clusters of flowers in purple and dark red. I was able to identify the flowers as Pentas lanceolata also known as Egyptian Star clusters.

Pentas lanceolata is a member of the Rubiaceae family of plants; wait a second. Rubiaceae sounds familiar, oh it doesn't? What did you have this morning with your breakfast? You know that bitter drink that breathes life into your sleep frazzled brain, Coffea arabica otherwise known as Coffee!

That's right these beautiful little flowers are a cousin to the beverage that makes modern life possible. This particular species is great for Florida and you can find it in flower beds all over the place. That is because apart from the very occasional mite or caterpillar the Pentas is not prone to being munched to death. In spite of its leaves and petals not being tasty, its nectar is a delicious treat for insects like bees and hummingbirds. Pentas are also able to grow in full sunlight with small amounts of water. Which makes it a suitable plant for our harsh summer months.

Today's mission (number 5) should you choose to accept it, is to find Pentas in your neighbourhood, capture a photo and post it in the comments below.

As always, the two original photos with the most likes at the end of the week will be featured here on Saturday and Sunday for everyone to enjoy.

Be sure to check out @localbeautytampabay on Instagram, from time to time we will post our B-roll pictures for your enjoyment.

Don't forget to take more water than you think you will need on your flower hike!

XoXo

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Done