232 Species of Genus Primulina

My Fascination with Primulina

I’m Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been drawn to the unique beauty of the plant world. Lately, I’ve become particularly fascinated by the genus Primulina, a group of flowering plants in the Gesneriaceae family. Native to the limestone karst regions of southern and north-central China and northern Vietnam, these plants are truly captivating with their vibrant flowers and interesting foliage.

Discovering the Diversity of Primulina

What strikes me most about Primulina is the sheer diversity within the genus. With over 200 recognized species, there’s a seemingly endless array of shapes, sizes, and colors to admire. Some species, like Primulina tabacum, have leaves that release a distinct aroma reminiscent of tobacco when touched. Others, like Primulina tamiana, boast stunning purple flowers that resemble orchids. This incredible variety makes Primulina a joy to collect and cultivate.

Here are:

1. Primulina alba R.F.Li & B.Pan
2. Primulina albicalyx B.Pan & Li H.Yang
3. Primulina alutacea F.Wen, B.Pan & B.M.Wang
4. Primulina anisocymosa F.Wen, Xin Hong & Z.J.Qiu
5. Primulina arcuata G.L.Xu & L.Ding
6. Primulina argentea Xin Hong, F.Wen & S.B.Zhou
7. Primulina atroglandulosa (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
8. Primulina atropurpurea (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
9. Primulina baishouensis (Y.G.Wei, H.Q.Wen & S.H.Zhong) Yin Z.Wang
10. Primulina balansae (Drake) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
11. Primulina beiliuensis B.Pan & S.X.Huang
12. Primulina bicolor (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
13. Primulina bipinnatifida (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang & J.M.Li
14. Primulina bobaiensis Q.K.Li, Qiang Zhang & Wen L.Li
15. Primulina bogneriana (B.L.Burtt) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
16. Primulina brachystigma (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
17. Primulina brachytricha (W.T.Wang & D.Y.Chen) R.B.Mao & Yin Z.Wang
18. Primulina brassicoides (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
19. Primulina bullata S.N.Lu & F.Wen
20. Primulina cangwuensis Xin Hong & F.Wen
21. Primulina carinata Y.G.Wei, F.Wen & H.Z.Lü
22. Primulina carnosifolia (C.Y.Wu ex H.W.Li) Yin Z.Wang
23. Primulina cataractarum X.L.Yu & A.Liu
24. Primulina cerina F.Wen, Yi Huang & W.C.Chou
25. Primulina chingipengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
26. Primulina chizhouensis Xin Hong, S.B.Zhou & F.Wen
27. Primulina clausa P.W.Li & M.Kang
28. Primulina colaniae (Pellegr.) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
29. Primulina confertiflora (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
30. Primulina cordata Mich.Möller & A.Weber
31. Primulina cordifolia (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
32. Primulina cordistigma F.Wen, B.D.Lai & B.M.Wang
33. Primulina crassifolia (Aver. & K.S.Nguyen) T.P.Anh, F.Wen & Mich.Möller
34. Primulina crassirhizoma F.Wen, Bo Zhao & Xin Hong
35. Primulina crassituba (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
36. Primulina cruciformis (Chun) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
37. Primulina curvituba B.Pan, L.H.Yang & M.Kang
38. Primulina danxiaensis (W.B.Liao, S.S.Lin & R.J.Shen) W.B.Liao & K.F.Chung
39. Primulina davidioides F.Wen & Xin Hong
40. Primulina debaoensis N.Jiang & Hong Li
41. Primulina demissa (Hance) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
42. Primulina depressa (Hook.f.) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
43. Primulina dichroantha F.Wen, Y.G.Wei & S.B.Zhou
44. Primulina diffusa Xin Hong, F.Wen & S.B.Zhou
45. Primulina dongguanica F.Wen, Y.G.Wei & R.Q.Luo
46. Primulina drakei (B.L.Burtt) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
47. Primulina dryas (Dunn) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
48. Primulina duanensis F.Wen & S.L.Huang
49. Primulina eburnea (Hance) Yin Z.Wang
50. Primulina effusa F.Wen & B.Pan
51. Primulina elegans B.M.Wang, Y.H.Tong & N.H.Xia
52. Primulina fangdingii B.M.Wang, B.Pan & B.D.Lai
53. Primulina fangii (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
54. Primulina fengkaiensis Z.L.Ning & M.Kang
55. Primulina fengshanensis F.Wen & Yue Wang
56. Primulina fimbrisepala (Hand.-Mazz.) Yin Z.Wang
57. Primulina flavimaculata (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
58. Primulina flexusa F.Wen, T.Peng & B.Pan
59. Primulina floribunda (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
60. Primulina fordii (Hemsl.) Yin Z.Wang
61. Primulina gemella (D.Wood) Yin Z.Wang
62. Primulina gigantea F.Wen, B.Pan & W.H.Luo
63. Primulina glabrescens (W.T.Wang & D.Y.Chen) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
64. Primulina glandaceistriata X.X.Zhu, F.Wen & H.Sun
65. Primulina glandulosa (D.Fang, L.Zeng & D.H.Qin) Yin Z.Wang
66. Primulina gongchengensis Y.S.Huang & Yan Liu
67. Primulina gracilipes X.L.Yu & A.Liu
68. Primulina grandibracteata (J.M.Li & Mich.Möller) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
69. Primulina gueilinensis (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang & Yan Liu
70. Primulina guigangensis L.Wu & Qiang Zhang
71. Primulina guihaiensis (Y.G.Wei, B.Pan & W.X.Tang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
72. Primulina guizhongensis Bo Zhao, B.Pan & F.Wen
73. Primulina halongensis (Kiew & T.H.Nguyên) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
74. Primulina hedyotidea (Chun) Yin Z.Wang
75. Primulina hengshanensis L.H.Liu & K.M.Liu
76. Primulina heterochroa F.Wen & B.D.Lai
77. Primulina heterotricha (Merr.) Y.Dong & Yin Z.Wang
78. Primulina hezhouensis (W.H.Wu & W.B.Xu) W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
79. Primulina hiemalis Xin Hong & F.Wen
80. Primulina hiepii (Kiew) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
81. Primulina hochiensis (C.C.Huang & X.X.Chen) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
82. Primulina huaijiensis Z.L.Ning & Jing Wang
83. Primulina huangii F.Wen & Z.B.Xin
84. Primulina huangjiniana W.B.Liao, Q.Fan & C.Y.Huang
85. Primulina hunanensis K.M.Liu & X.Z.Cai
86. Primulina inflata Li H.Yang & M.Z.Xu
87. Primulina jianghuaensis K.M.Liu & X.Z.Cai
88. Primulina jiangyongensis X.L.Yu & Ming Li
89. Primulina jingxiensis (Yan Liu, W.B.Xu & H.S.Gao) W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
90. Primulina jiulianshanensis F.Wen & G.L.Xu
91. Primulina jiuwanshanica (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
92. Primulina jiuyishanica Kun Liu, D.C.Meng & Z.B.Xin
93. Primulina juliae (Hance) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
94. Primulina langshanica (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
95. Primulina latinervis (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
96. Primulina lechangensis Xin Hong, F.Wen & S.B.Zhou
97. Primulina leeii (F.Wen, Yue Wang & Q.X.Zhang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
98. Primulina leiophylla (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
99. Primulina leiyyi F.Wen, Z.B.Xin & W.C.Chou
100. Primulina lepingensis Z.L.Ning & Ming Kang
101. Primulina leprosa (Yan Liu & W.B.Xu) W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
102. Primulina lianchengensis B.J.Ye & S.P.Chen
103. Primulina liangwaniae B.M.Wang & Y.H.Tong
104. Primulina lianpingensis Li Hua Yang, H.H.Kong & M.Kang
105. Primulina liboensis (W.T.Wang & D.Y.Chen) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
106. Primulina lienxienensis (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
107. Primulina liguliformis (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
108. Primulina lijiangensis (B.Pan & W.B.Xu) W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
109. Primulina linearicalyx F.Wen, B.D.Lai & Y.G.Wei
110. Primulina linearifolia (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
111. Primulina lingchuanensis (Yan Liu & Y.G.Wei) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
112. Primulina linglingensis (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
113. Primulina liujiangensis (D.Fang & D.H.Qin) Yan Liu
114. Primulina lobulata (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
115. Primulina longgangensis (W.T.Wang) Yan Liu & Yin Z.Wang
116. Primulina longicalyx (J.M.Li & Yin Z.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
117. Primulina longii (Z.Yu Li) Z.Yu Li
118. Primulina longzhouensis (B.Pan & W.H.Wu) W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
119. Primulina lunglinensis (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
120. Primulina lungzhouensis (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
121. Primulina luochengensis (Yan Liu & W.B.Xu) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
122. Primulina lutea (Yan Liu & Y.G.Wei) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
123. Primulina lutescens B.Pan & H.S.Ma
124. Primulina lutvittata F.Wen & Y.G.Wei
125. Primulina luzhaiensis (Yan Liu, Y.S.Huang & W.B.Xu) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
126. Primulina mabaensis K.F.Chung & W.B.Xu
127. Primulina maciejewskii F.Wen, R.L.Zhang & A.Q.Dong
128. Primulina macrodonta (D.Fang & D.H.Qin) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
129. Primulina macrorhiza (D.Fang & D.H.Qin) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
130. Primulina maculata W.B.Xu & J.Guo
131. Primulina maguanensis (Z.Yu Li, H.Jiang & H.Xu) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
132. Primulina malingheensis X.X.Bai, F.Wen & Y.L.Zhou
133. Primulina malipoensis Li H.Yang & M.Kang
134. Primulina medica (D.Fang) Yin Z.Wang
135. Primulina melanofilamenta Y.Liu & F.Wen
136. Primulina minor F.Wen & Y.G.Wei
137. Primulina minutimaculata (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
138. Primulina modesta (Kiew & T.H.Nguyên) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
139. Primulina moi F.Wen & Y.G.Wei
140. Primulina mollifolia (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) J.M.Li & Yin Z.Wang
141. Primulina multifida B.Pan & K.F.Chung
142. Primulina nana C.Xiong, W.C.Chou & F.Wen
143. Primulina nandanensis (S.X.Huang, Y.G.Wei & W.H.Luo) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
144. Primulina napoensis (Z.Yu Li) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
145. Primulina ningmingensis (Yan Liu & W.H.Wu) W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
146. Primulina niveolanosa F.Wen, S.Li & W.C.Chou
147. Primulina nymphaeoides Y.G.Wei & W.C.Chou
148. Primulina obtusidentata (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
149. Primulina ophiopogoides (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
150. Primulina orthandra (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
151. Primulina papillosa Z.B.Xin, W.C.Chou & F.Wen
152. Primulina parvifolia (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang & J.M.Li
153. Primulina pengii W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
154. Primulina persica F.Wen, Yi Huang & W.C.Chou
155. Primulina petrocosmeoides B.Pan & F.Wen
156. Primulina pingleensis Ying Qin & Yan Liu
157. Primulina pingnanensis Xin Hong, Z.L.Li & W.C.Chou
158. Primulina pinnata (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
159. Primulina pinnatifida (Hand.-Mazz.) Yin Z.Wang
160. Primulina polycephala (Chun) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
161. Primulina porphyrea X.L.Yu & Ming Li
162. Primulina pseudoeburnea (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
163. Primulina pseudoglandulosa W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
164. Primulina pseudoheterotricha (T.J.Zhou, B.Pan & W.B.Xu) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
165. Primulina pseudolinearifolia W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
166. Primulina pseudomollifolia W.B.Xu & Yan Liu
167. Primulina pseudoroseoalba Jian Li, F.Wen & L.J.Yan
168. Primulina pteropoda (W.T.Wang) Yan Liu
169. Primulina pungentisepala (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
170. Primulina purpurea F.Wen, Bo Zhao & Y.G.Wei
171. Primulina purpureokylin F.Wen, Yi Huang & W.C.Chou
172. Primulina qingyuanensis Z.L.Ning & Ming Kang
173. Primulina qintangensis Z.B.Xin, W.C.Chou & F.Wen
174. Primulina quanbaensis Aver., K.S.Nguyen, T.P.Anh & F.Wen
175. Primulina renifolia (D.Fang & D.H.Qin) J.M.Li & Yin Z.Wang
176. Primulina repanda (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
177. Primulina ronganensis (D.Fang & Y.G.Wei) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
178. Primulina rongshuiensis (Yan Liu & Y.S.Huang) W.B.Xu & K.F.Chung
179. Primulina roseoalba (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
180. Primulina rosulata (F.Wen & Y.G.Wei) Z.L.Ning & X.Y.Zhuang
181. Primulina rotundifolia (Hemsl.) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
182. Primulina rubella L.H.Yang & M.Kang
183. Primulina rubribracteata Z.L.Ning & M.Kang
184. Primulina rufipes Y.L.Su, P.Yang & Yan Liu
185. Primulina sclerophylla (W.T.Wang) Yan Liu
186. Primulina secundiflora (Chun) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
187. Primulina semicontorta (Pellegr.) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
188. Primulina serrulata R.B.Zhang & F.Wen
189. Primulina shaowuensis X.X.Su, Liang Ma & S.P.Chen
190. Primulina shouchengensis (Z.Yu Li) Z.Yu Li
191. Primulina sichuanensis (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
192. Primulina silaniae X.X.Bai & F.Wen
193. Primulina sinovietnamica W.H.Wu & Qiang Zhang
194. Primulina skogiana (Z.Yu Li) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
195. Primulina spadiciformis (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
196. Primulina speluncae (Hand.-Mazz.) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
197. Primulina spinulosa (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
198. Primulina spiradiclioides Z.B.Xin & F.Wen
199. Primulina subrhomboidea (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
200. Primulina subulata (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
201. Primulina subulatisepala (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
202. Primulina suichuanensis X.L.Yu & J.J.Zhou
203. Primulina swinglei (Merr.) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
204. Primulina tabacum Hance
205. Primulina tenuifolia (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
206. Primulina tenuituba (W.T.Wang) Yin Z.Wang
207. Primulina tiandengensis (F.Wen & H.Tang) F.Wen & K.F.Chung
208. Primulina titan Z.B.Xin, W.C.Chou & F.Wen
209. Primulina tribracteata (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
210. Primulina tsoongii H.L.Liang, Bo Zhao & F.Wen
211. Primulina varicolor (D.Fang & D.H.Qin) Yin Z.Wang
212. Primulina verecunda (Chun) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
213. Primulina versicolor F.Wen, B.Pan & B.M.Wang
214. Primulina vestita (D.Wood) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
215. Primulina villosissima (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
216. Primulina wangiana (Z.Yu Li) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
217. Primulina weii Mich.Möller & A.Weber
218. Primulina wenii Jian Li & L.J.Yan
219. Primulina wentsaii (D.Fang & L.Zeng) Yin Z.Wang
220. Primulina wuae F.Wen & L.F.Fu
221. Primulina xinningensis (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
222. Primulina xiuningensis (X.L.Liu & X.H.Guo) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
223. Primulina xiziae F.Wen, Yue Wang & G.J.Hua
224. Primulina xuansonensis W.H.Chen & Y.M.Shui
225. Primulina yandongensis Ying Qin & Yan Liu
226. Primulina yangchunensis Y.L.Zheng & Y.F.Deng
227. Primulina yangshanensis W.B.Xu & B.Pan
228. Primulina yangshuoensis Y.G.Wei & F.Wen
229. Primulina yingdeensis Z.L.Ning, M.Kang & X.Y.Zhuang
230. Primulina yulinensis Ying Qin & Yan Liu
231. Primulina yungfuensis (W.T.Wang) Mich.Möller & A.Weber
232. Primulina zixingensis L.H.Yang & B.Pan

The Allure of Limestone Habitats

Another aspect of Primulina that I find fascinating is their preference for limestone habitats. These environments, characterized by their rocky terrain and alkaline conditions, present unique challenges for plant life. Yet, Primulina has adapted to thrive in these conditions, showcasing its resilience and specialized biology. This adaptation adds another layer of intrigue to these already remarkable plants.

Cultivating and Conserving Primulina

As an avid gardener, I’m eager to cultivate Primulina and contribute to their conservation. Many species are threatened by habitat loss and over-collection, making it crucial to protect them both in the wild and in cultivation. By understanding their specific needs and providing suitable growing conditions, we can help ensure the survival of these beautiful plants for future generations to enjoy.

I believe that Primulina deserves more recognition and appreciation. Their beauty, diversity, and ecological significance make them a valuable part of our natural heritage. I hope that by sharing my passion for these plants, I can inspire others to learn more about them and join the effort to conserve them.