Cyanotis somaliensis is a compact, ground-covering herbaceous perennial with succulent stems. The leaves are lanceolate, opposite, sessile, dark green on the upper side, purplish brown on the lower side and are covered with dense hairs. This plant grows rapidly and reaches a height of 8-12 cm. In late summer it produces small, pretty flowers with three dark purple petals.
Pedoclimatic requirements
It adapts to sandy and fibrous soil types, preferring well-drained ones. It resists drought well and does not need regular watering. It prefers full sun exposure but also adapts to partial shade, where however it loses its characteristic compactness. In winter it resists up to -2°/-4°C as long as it is kept dry. It can be grown in the ground in Mediterranean gardens, where temperatures do not fall below zero. In colder climates it can be grown in pots, placed outdoors during spring and summer and sheltered during autumn and winter. Being a small-sized species it is ideal to grow in pots on terraces and balconies.
