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 ntroduced |
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Common name: Pussy Ears, Furry Kittens
Botanical name: Cyanotis somaliensis Family: Commelinaceae (Dayflower family)
The origin of this creeping, tender perennial is uncertain, but it is probably
Somalia. Its fleshy, narrowly oblong leaves are glossy dark green and covered
with soft white hairs,resembling ears of a pussy. It produces small, 3-petaled,
blue flowers, dotted with yellow stamens, in
the axils of the leaves in the winter and spring.
Cyanotis is the third largest genus of Commelinaceae in Africa, with
approximately 25 species. The genus is widespread outside of forested
habitats, occurring often in dry habitats, but it also includes an aquatic
species.
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