Pentas lanceolata (Forssk.) Deflers

Bunga pentas (Pentas lanceolata) is a shrub 30-60 cm tall from the Rubiaceae family that originates from East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, spanning from Ethiopia to Yemen. This plant is popular as a potted ornamental worldwide. In traditional African medicine, bunga pentas is used as a remedy for tapeworms, acne, and malaria.

Bunga pentas grows best in warm, humid habitats with an average annual temperature of 27 °C. Although this species tolerates various soil types and textures, it prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.1 to 8.5. P. lanceolata thrives in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade conditions. This plant can also adapt to grow in water-scarce environments such as dry shrubland and semi-arid habitats.

• Stem square-shaped, moderately to densely pilosulous, becoming often hairless as it ages.
• Leaves dark green, opposite leaves ovate to lanceolate with entire smooth margins (8-14 cm long). Leaves strongly veined and pubescent (hairy).
• Flowers star-shaped, 5 petals 1-1.5 cm wide and appearing in large terminal clusters known as corymbs. This species blooms freely.
• Fruit a dry, dehiscent fruit known as a capsule (4-5 mm long).

For generative propagation with seeds, sow seeds on the soil surface and germination will occur within 5-12 days when outdoor daily temperatures are around 22 °C. Propagation can also be done vegetatively using stem cuttings.

Alkaloid, flavonoid, carbohydrate, phenol, terpenoid, coumarin, phytosterol, and quinone.

As a remedy for tapeworms, itchy rash, acne, malaria, skin diseases, gonorrhea, syphilis, and as a laxative. Has antiviral, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties.

No information found. Further research needed.