Exacum affine

Exacum affine

Persian violet

Exacum affine (syn. Exacum socotranum, Exacum gracilipes) known commercially as the Persian violet, is a species of plant in the family Gentianaceae. It is endemic to Socotra, part of Yemen, though its popularity and cultivation around the world have made it an occasional greenhouse weed. Its natural habitat is rocky areas. A small herbaceous biennial plant with dark green, ovate leaves. The small purple flowers have a yellow centre with fragrance.

If Exacum socotranum is considered a distinct species separate from Exacum affine the former is critically endangered, being restricted to a few localities threatened by urban development.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exacum_affine

Common Name: Persian violet 

Type: Herbaceous perennial

Family: Gentianaceae

Native Range: Yemen

Zone: 10 to 12

Height: 0.50 to 1.50 feet

Spread: 0.50 to 1.00 feet

Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer

Bloom Description: Blue to deep purple

Sun: Part shade

Water: Medium

Maintenance: Low

Suggested Use: Annual

Culture

In its native range Exacum affine is an annual or short-lived perennial and is suitable for permanent outdoor cultivation only in humid tropical and subtropical areas. Grown as a pot plant, this plant requires a well-drained, but moist potting mix. Exacum will tolerate good light but not direct sun. Grow warm with 60° to 70°F night temperatures. They flower for an extended period, but are very difficult to keep growing after flowering, but cuttings can be taken successfully.

 

Noteworthy Characteristics

Exacum affine, commonly called Persian violet, is a 6 to 12 inch tall annual that is popular for its beautiful blue flowers and shiny green foliage. The tiny leaves of this rounded plant are ovate in shape and densely cover the stems. Lovely blue flowers with bright yellow pollen masses in their centers appear in the spring and summer. These fragrant flowers will densely clothe this plant if it is grown under the proper cultural conditions.

Genus name is a variant of the Gallic name exacon for centaurium transferred to this genus.

Specific epithet means related to or similar.

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b554