Eustoma

Taxobox

---

image_caption = "Eustoma grandiflorum"
regnum =Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Gentianales
familia = Gentianaceae
genus = "Eustoma"
genus_authority = Salisb. (1806)
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision =
*"Eustoma grandiflorum"
*"Eustoma exaltatum"

"Eustoma" is a genus of 3 species in the family Gentianaceae, found in warm regions of the Southern United States, Mexico, Caribbean and northern South America. They are mostly found growing in grassland and areas of disturbed ground.

They are herbaceous annuals, growing to 15 – 60 cm tall, with bluish green, slightly succulent leaves, and large funnel shaped flowers growing on long straight stems.

"Eustoma grandiflorum" is particularly popular and has a number of cultivars that are grown for the cut flower market. The cultivated flower is also often known as Lisianthus, Texas Bluebell, Prairie Gentian (ITIS [ [http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=30052 ITIS Standard Report Page: Eustoma ] ] ), Tulip Gentian or just Gentian, although the latter can cause confusion with the related "Gentian" plant genus.

References

* [http://gentian.rutgers.edu/genera/genEust.htm Gentian Research Network: "Eustoma"]