Pentas lanceolata

Discovered this flower a few days ago and knew I wanted to post it eventually. There is wonderful contrast between the petals and the flower’s parts in the center.

This is Pentas lanceolata (family Rubiaceae), common names “Star flower” or “Egyptian star flower” or “Pentas”. It is used in landscapes in tropical regions; it is also used as an annual in our area. Thank you again for the ID, Rich!

See also http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/a538/pentas-lanceolata.aspx

Notes.
1. Taken with a +4 close-up filter on the 18–55mm lens.
2. Also scouted another specimen in the greenhouse that would be well-suited to B&W! This is almost fun at times, MaryBeth, looking for B&W candidates!
3. This is 8 B&Ws in a row, so now the 2×4 array of images above-right is all-B&W!

For color images, see species page at PhytoImages, http://phytoimages.siu.edu/cgi-bin/dol/dol_terminal.pl?taxon_name=Pentas_lanceolata&rank=binomial

Taken at the SIUC Plant Biology Greenhouse, http://www.plantbiology.siu.edu/facilities/plant-biology-facilities/greenhouse/index.php

One year ago (“Fireball in the Trees”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-02-11
Two years ago (“Thank you, Dad!”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-02-11

[Caryn]

Very dainty and pretty.

[Rick Schies]

I like the look, the closeness and clutter. Very nice Thom

[Michelle]

Amazing detail on this.

[Tara]

This is pretty in B&W. I've learned a lot this month 'shooting' in B&W.