Eustoma
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Eustoma, commonly known as lisianthus or prairie gentian,[1] is a small genus of plants in the gentian family. They are native to warm regions of the southern United States, Mexico, Caribbean and northern South America.[2] This genus is typically found in grasslands and in areas of disturbed ground.
Description
They are herbaceous annuals, growing to Script error: No such module "convert". tall, with bluish green, slightly succulent leaves and large funnel-shaped flowers growing on long straight stems: sometimes erect single stems, other times branching stems. The flowers can grow up to Script error: No such module "convert". across and can be found in a variety of colors. They have been found in all shades of pink, purple, white, and blue. In addition, some are bicolored and some are occasionally found in yellow or carmine-red.
Eustoma flowers are either single-flowered or double-flowered. Both types of flowers can be found in all ranges of the possible colors listed above.[3] They are usually Script error: No such module "convert". tall, although there are dwarf varieties that only grow up to Script error: No such module "convert". in height.[4]
Taxonomy
Eustoma (YOO-sto-ma) is a small genus, containing only two or three species.[5]
The genus name Eustoma is a compound of the Greek prefix εὐ- (eu-), "good, well", and Greek στόμα (stóma), "mouth", hence "(having a) pleasing mouth", while the obsolete Lisianthus is a compound of λισσός (lissós), "smooth", and ἄνθος (ánthos), "flower".
Cultivation
Eustoma is a beautiful, high-end cut flower, but it is tricky to grow and requires some maintenance.[6] It has tiny seeds that must be sown on the surface, not buried,[3] and it must be planted in rich, well-drained soil and exposed to full sun. It must be kept moist but not overwatered: overwatering may result in the growth and development of fungal diseases.[6] Careful control of temperature is necessary to prevent rosetting[3] and cultivation under cover is recommended to prevent spotting on the petals.[7] Lisianthus flowers will begin to bloom in early summer and some will continue to bloom throughout the later months of the summer. When cut, Lisianthus flowers can last anywhere from two to three weeks in a vase.[6]
Eustoma russellianum is particularly popular and has a number of cultivars that are grown for the cut-flower market.
References
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- ↑ ITIS Standard Report Page: Eustoma
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c "Lisianthus." Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Cornell University. Web. 4 Aug. 2020
- ↑ "Eustoma Grandiflorum" Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c "Lisianthus" Better Homes and Gardens. Better Homes and Gardens, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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Growing Tips for Stunning Eustoma Flowers Blooms