This is a new species and annual flower to me, new on the market. In its native habitat in eastern Africa it is a broadleaf evergreen shrub that gets 6 to 10 feet high and wide. It has opposite shiny green leaves about 3 to 5 inches long and 1 to 3 inches wide. Its flowers resemble a butterfly in flight, as the 4 light blue side petals resemble wings, the one darker blue lower petal looks like the head, and the long, curved, arching purple stamen resemble the antennas. The shrub bears a black, fleshy fruit. This species recently has been used as an ornamental plant that has become an annual flower in northern climates that is killed by strong frost, unless brought into a house or greenhouse for the winter. I bet it does well in a sunny, cool location inside a residence until it can be taken outside in spring. It likes moist soil and part-shade best.

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