FAMILY: Oentianaceae

BOTANICAL NAME: Eustoma grandifiorum

DESCRIPTION: Anemone-shaped, cupped flowers, l l/2in (4cm) across, appear at the end of branchlets that stem from a 16-20in (40-50cm) long stem. There are usually 3-5 flowers that open on a stem. The main colours are white, such as 'Snowball' and 'Double White', lavender, such as 'Light Lavender', purple, such as 'Double Purple' and pink, such as 'Double Pink'.

TIME TO BUY: At least one of the flowers on the stem should be open, and a few of the buds starting to show colour.

AVAILABILITY: All year round.

VASE LIFE: 1-2 weeks.

SPECIAL HOME CARE: Keep away from excess heat and from direct sunlight. Re-cut the stems frequently.

TRADE CARE: Best kept at 36-41°F (2-5°C). In these conditions they can be held up to 2-3 days without water; in water, they can be held for up to 3 days.

Care and Handling information for Lisianthus is from p.56 in "The Complete Book of Cut Flower Care", Written by Mary Jane Vaughn, March 1998, Published by Timber Press, Inc., The Haseltine Bldg, 133 SW 2nd Ave., Suite 450, Portland, Oregon, 97204, USA