Cyanastrum is a genus of 6 species mainly from tropical Africa and is a member of the Tecophilaeaceae family.


Cyanastrum cordifolium var. compactum (I've also seen it as Cyanastrum cordifolium 'Compactum') is a cormous plant grown as an herbaceous, perennial houseplant with hosta-like foliage in shady to partial shady conditions. This is the first time it has flowered for me. The buds appear in threes with one bud blooming at a time. It appears that each flower is only open for a day. The flowers are about 2 cm in diameter. The first photo is of the first bud's bloom. The second photo is of the second bud's bloom a couple of days later. You can see the closed up first flower. The third bud is hidden behind the petals of the open flower. Photo taken June 2005 by Lee Poulsen.
Cyanastrum cordifolium Cyanastrum cordifolium


Return to the PBS wiki Photographs And Information page