English: Lisianthus; Prairie gentian.
Name: Eustoma is from Greek eu meaning good or pleasing, and stoma meaning mouth pleasing mouth; Lisianthus is a compound of lissos meaning smooth and anthos meaning flower.
Region: warm regions; Southern United States, Mexico, Caribbean and northern South America;
Habitat: areas of disturbed ground; rich, well-drained soil; full sun; moist but not overwatered; grassland.
Genus: 2 or 3 species.
Use: ornamental, cut-flower market.
BotanyAnnual herbs, up to 15–60 cm tall.
Leaves: bluish green, slightly succulent.
Stems: erect single, or branching stems, up to 6 m tall.
Flowers: large, funnel-shaped, growing on long straight stems; up to 5 cm; single-flowered or double-flowered; variety of colors, pink, purple, white, blue, some yellow or carmine-red.
Seeds: tiny.