{{Short description|Genus of flowering plants}} {{Redirect|Lisianthus}} {{Automatic taxobox |image =Lisianthus 2025.jpg |image_caption = ''Eustoma russellianum'' |display_parents = 2 |taxon = Eustoma |authority = Salisb. (1806) |subdivision_ranks = Species |subdivision = *''Eustoma exaltatum'' *''Eustoma russellianum'' }}
'''''Eustoma''''', commonly known as '''lisianthus''' or '''prairie gentian''',<ref>[https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=30052 ITIS Standard Report Page: Eustoma]</ref> is a small genus of plants in the gentian family. They are native to warm regions of the southern United States, Mexico, Caribbean and northern South America.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eustomas.com/ |title=Eustoma world origins |access-date=2013-03-18 |date=2013-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516143539/http://eustomas.com/ |archive-date=2013-05-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This genus is typically found in grasslands and in areas of disturbed ground.
==Description== They are herbaceous annuals, growing to {{convert|15|–|60|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} tall, with bluish green, slightly succulent leaves and large funnel-shaped flowers growing on long straight stems: sometimes erect single stems, other times branching stems. The flowers can grow up to {{convert|2|in|mm|order=flip|-1}} across and can be found in a variety of colors. They have been found in all shades of pink, purple, white, and blue. In addition, some are bicolored and some are occasionally found in yellow or carmine-red.
''Eustoma'' flowers are either single-flowered or double-flowered. Both types of flowers can be found in all ranges of the possible colors listed above.<ref name="Cornell">[https://blogs.cornell.edu/hightunnels/flowers/cut-flowers/cut-flower-crops/lisianthus/ "Lisianthus."] Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Cornell University. Web. 4 Aug. 2020</ref> They are usually {{convert|1-3|ft|cm|-1|order=flip|abbr=on}} tall, although there are dwarf varieties that only grow up to {{convert|8|in|mm|order=flip|abbr=on}} in height.<ref>[http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/gardens-gardening/your-garden/plant-finder/plant-details/kc/a576/eustoma-grandiflorum.aspx "Eustoma Grandiflorum"] Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012</ref>
==Taxonomy== ''Eustoma'' (''YOO-sto-ma'') is a small genus, containing only two or three species.<ref name=Weakley>{{cite web |url=http://www.herbarium.unc.edu/flora.htm |title= Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States}}</ref>
The genus name ''Eustoma'' is a compound of the Greek prefix εὐ- (''eu''-), "good, well", and Greek στόμα (''stóma''), "mouth", hence "(having a) pleasing mouth", while the obsolete ''Lisianthus'' is a compound of λισσός (''lissós''), "smooth", and ἄνθος (''ánthos''), "flower".
==Cultivation== ''Eustoma'' is a beautiful, high-end cut flower, but it is tricky to grow and requires some maintenance.<ref name=BHG>[http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/annual/lisianthus "Lisianthus"] Better Homes and Gardens. Better Homes and Gardens, n.d. Web. 11 Dec. 2012</ref> It has tiny seeds that must be sown on the surface, not buried,<ref name=Cornell/> and it must be planted in rich, well-drained soil and exposed to full sun. It must be kept moist but not overwatered: overwatering may result in the growth and development of fungal diseases.<ref name=BHG/> Careful control of temperature is necessary to prevent rosetting<ref name="Cornell" /> and cultivation under cover is recommended to prevent spotting on the petals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) {{!}} Growing Instructions {{!}} Technical Production Guide|url=https://www.johnnyseeds.com/growers-library/flowers/lisianthus-production.html|access-date=2020-08-04|website=www.johnnyseeds.com}}</ref> Lisianthus flowers will begin to bloom in early summer and some will continue to bloom throughout the later months of the summer. When cut, Lisianthus flowers can last anywhere from two to three weeks in a vase.<ref name=BHG/>
''Eustoma russellianum'' is particularly popular and has a number of cultivars that are grown for the cut-flower market.
==Gallery== <gallery> File:Eustoma grandiflorum purple 02.jpg </gallery>
==References== {{reflist}}
[https://blogsgig.com/delicate-lisianthus-flowers-growing-tips-for-stunning-blooms/ Growing Tips for Stunning Eustoma Flowers Blooms]
==External links== * [http://gentian.rutgers.edu/genera/genEust.htm Gentian Research Network: ''Eustoma''] * [http://gentian.rutgers.edu/LisianthusHistory.htm The convoluted history of Lisianthus, Lisianthius, and Lisyanthus]
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Category:Flora of Northern America Category:Gentianaceae Category:Gentianaceae genera