Exacum affine; German violet; Mexican violet

Japanese: エキザカム（英語表記）Exacum affine; German violet; Mexican violet

A general term for the Gentianaceae family, the Exacum genus, but in horticulture, it refers to Exacum affine. An annual plant native to the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean. It has broad, ovate, glossy leaves that grow opposite each other, and small, blue-purple flowers that are 1.5-2 cm in diameter. The flower shape resembles that of a plum, and the vivid contrast between the yellow anthers of the protruding stamens and the blue-purple petals is striking. It branches well from the base of the plant, and grows into a bushy, spherical shape. There are also double-flowered and white-flowered varieties. It is sold as a potted plant in the summer, and is characterized by its sweet fragrance. If kept in a semi-shaded, well-ventilated place, it will bloom from early summer to autumn. It is relatively easy to grow, as it is resistant to diseases and pests. Avoid direct sunlight. It does not like dryness, so be careful not to let it dry out.

Source: Encyclopaedia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia About Encyclopaedia Britannica Concise Encyclopedia Information

Japanese:

リンドウ科エキザカム属の総称であるが，園芸的には，エキザカム・アフィネをさす。インド洋のソコトラ島に自生する一年草。広卵形のつやのある葉が対生し，直径 1.5～2cmの青紫の小花をつける。ウメのような花形で，突き出たおしべの葯の黄色と，青紫の花弁との鮮かな対比が印象的。株元からよく分枝し，こんもりとした球形に茂る。八重咲きや白花品種もある。夏の鉢花として流通し，甘い香りが特徴。半日陰の風通しのよい場所で管理すれば，初夏から秋にかけて花がみられる。病気や害虫が発生しにくく，比較的栽培しやすい。直射日光は避ける。乾燥を嫌うため，水切れに注意する。

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