Cyanotis somaliensis aka Pussy Ears

Cyanotis somaliensis, commonly known as pussy ears, is an ornamental flowering plant in the family Commelinaceae. This evergreen perennial is native to Somaliland in East Africa and was first described in 1895. It is highly valued for its decorative properties and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Growing up to 12 cm tall and spreading up to 50 cm wide, it features lance-shaped to oblong olive-green leaves with prominent white hairs on the margins. In the summer, it produces clusters of small purple flowers that resemble those of the closely related genus Tradescantia. Pussy ears prefer bright light and drier conditions, making it suitable for growing under glass in temperate regions. It cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 °C. This creeping succulent plant can be grown in pots or terrariums and is characterized by its long, narrow leaves covered in white hairs, creating an interesting texture. The fleshy stems of this plant are not large, reaching up to 12 cm tall and 50 cm wide. The delicate purple flowers, which are light-sensitive and open for only a few hours in the morning, add to its beauty. Interestingly, Cyanotis somaliensis shares similarities with Cyanotis kewensis, as both thrive in similar climates and conditions.