Chrysothemis pulchella
Family: Gesneriaceae
Copper Leaf
Origin: Panama, the West Indies, Brazil
groundcover and low-growing, shade, semi-shade, keep soil moist,
ornamental foliage, red/crimson/vinous flowers, yellow/orange
flowers, deciduous, attracts butterflies, hummingbirds
Tender tropical perennial that can be grown as a houseplant or in
a greenhouse. From spring to summer it is covered with very showy
orange-red flowers. The bright yellow corolla, with some red
striping or spotting, is about twice the length of the calyx, with a
narrow tube and flaring lobes. The corolla is short-lived, lasting
only a day or two, but the colored calyx is very long-lasting and
decorative. Leaves are large, dark-green with brown touch, very
ornamental. The stems are thick and succulent, usually upright.
Forms a dense mountain of flowers and foliage. The plant forms
tubers at the base of the stem, and sometimes also in the leaf axils
and might get dormant if temperature gets below 60F. From this point
it is somewhat hardy and can survive cool winter as low as 30-40F,
but in this case all leaves and stems will vanish. Prefers filtered
light and requires regular watering, soil must be moist at all
times. Chrysothemis is a genus of about six species. The name is
taken from mythology - Chryso Themis was a daughter of Clytemnestra
and Agamemnon, of Greek mythology. Chrysothemis pulchella
(beautiful) is the most widespread species, the most variable, and
the one found most often in cultivation. The plants are not
difficult to grow and do well under most indoor growing conditions.
It makes an excellent subject for interior tropical landscapes! |
