Exacum affine (Persian Violet)

Native to Socotra and southwestern Oman, this small, branching herb grows in rocky habitats and forms a compact, bushy plant. Opposite, glossy green leaves are oval to elliptical. Its fragrant flowers have five spreading blue to violet petals surrounding prominent yellow stamens. The species is widely cultivated as a flowering pot plant, with its many small blossoms held above the foliage. Despite the common name Persian violet, it belongs to a different group of plants from true violets. Photographed in Florida.