Pentas

{{Short description|Genus of plants}}

{{Automatic taxobox

|image = Pentas lanceolata2.jpg

|image_caption = Pentas lanceolata

|display_parents = 2

|taxon = Pentas

|authority = Benth.

|type_species = Pentas lanceolata

|type_species_authority = (Forssk.) Deflers

|synonyms =

• Neurocarpaea {{Au|R.Br. ex Hiern}}
• Orthostemma {{Au|Wall. ex Voigt}}
• Vignaldia {{Au|A.Rich.}}

}}

Pentas is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. The genus is found in tropical and southern Africa, the Comoros, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula.{{cite web|url=http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/qsearch.do?plantName=Pentas|title=Pentas in the World Checklist of Rubiaceae|accessdate=26 April 2017}}

The plants have hairy green leaves and clusters of flowers in shades of red, white, pink, and purple. Pentas are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Some species are commonly cultivated and can be grown in pots and baskets. Species such as Pentas lanceolata can withstand full sunlight and need little to no care, growing even in locations that are dry and hot.[http://www.floridata.com/ref/P/pen_lanc.cfm Floridata: Pentas lanceolata.] Floridata.