Family: Asteraceae

From tropical Africa, India and Asia, this genus comprises about 40 species of subshrubs, semi-climbers and perennials, grown mainly for their decorative foliage. The unpleasant-smelling flowers are mostly borne in flat clusters, although sometimes singularly, and are pre-dominantly orange, but occasionally purple.

Species

G. aurantiaca, velvet plant, from Java, is shrubby at first, and then with age becomes trailing or climbing in habit. The stem and leaves are covered with velvety, purple hairs and the flowers are a bright orange.

G. procumbens, another climbing or scrambling plant, coming from Malaysia and the Philippines, grows to about 3 m (10 ft), with similarly hairy stems and leaves in a deep purple-red. The flow­ers are the usual orange.

Cultivation

Gvnuras make attractive house plants and can also be grown in a warm green-house. Use soil-based potting compost and shade from direct sun. Propagate from semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Climate

Zone 10.