Family: Gesneriaceae
Common Name: Flame Violet

Grown mostly for their attractive ornamental leaves, these perennial creepers from tropical America and the West Indies also produce long-lasting colourful flowers if given the right condi­tions. The leaves are oval-shaped and downy, and delicately veined in shades of bronze, yellow and green. They are ideal glasshouse or hanging basket subjects, preferring high tem­peratures and a humid environment.

Species

E. cupreata, flame violet, has hand-some leaves, up to 12 cm (5 in) long and 7 cm (3 in) wide, veined with copper, red or silver. The flowers, 2.5 cm (1 in) long, are in red, marked with yellow. A number of named vari­eties are available, including 'Metallica', with pale green-veined leaves, edged with bright pink.

E. dianthiflora, laceflower vine, produces small leatlets, 2.5 cm (1 in) long, often marked with red, as well as its normal leaves, and pure white, 5 cm (2 in) long, flowers, spotted with purple.

E. lilacina's leaves are green or greenish red on top and purple underneath. The leaves are 5 cm (2 in) long and the flowers, to 4 cm (1½ in), are lilac.

Cultivation

Flame violets need a soilless potting compost, light shade and plentiful moisture in spring and summer. However, when watering, do not wet the leaves. Propagate from cuttings with several nodes, in a sand and peat mixture, in early summer.

Climate

At least zone 10.