Plant Family: Gesneriaceae

Discovering the Gesneriaceae Family: A Journey into the World of Gesneriads

As a plant enthusiast, I often find myself captivated by the diversity of the plant kingdom. One family that has consistently piqued my interest is the Gesneriaceae, commonly known as the gesneriads. This family includes a variety of genera, each with its unique characteristics, growth habits, and appeal. Let me take you on a journey through this fascinating family and share some insights from my experiences with these remarkable plants.

The Fascinating World of Gesneriaceae

The Gesneriaceae family consists of approximately 150 genera and over 3,000 species. Native primarily to tropical and subtropical regions, these plants exhibit a wide range of forms, from tiny ground covers to large epiphytic species. Their vibrant flowers and lush foliage make them popular choices for indoor gardening, and I’ve found them to be excellent additions to my collection.

Among the most well-known genera within this family are Saintpaulia, Gloxinia, and Sinningia. Each of these genera brings its unique charm to the table. For example, the African violet (Saintpaulia) has become a staple in many households, known for its ability to bloom continuously under proper care. I remember my first African violet; its purple blooms brightened up my living room and sparked my love for gesneriads.

The Genera That Capture My Heart

  1. Achimenes P.Browne
  2. Aeschynanthus Jack
  3. Agalmyla Blume
  4. Allocheilos W.T.Wang
  5. Alloplectus Mart.
  6. Allostigma W.T.Wang
  7. Alsobia Hanst.
  8. Amalophyllon Brandegee
  9. Anetanthus Hiern ex Benth. & Hook.f.
  10. Anna Pellegr.
  11. Asteranthera Hanst.
  12. Beccarinda Kuntze
  13. Bellonia L.
  14. Besleria Plum. ex L.
  15. Billolivia D.J.Middleton
  16. Boea Comm. ex Lam.
  17. Boeica C.B.Clarke
  18. Bopopia Munzinger & J.R.Morel
  19. Bournea Oliv.
  20. Briggsiopsis K.Y.Pan
  21. Cathayanthe Chun
  22. Centrosolenia Benth.
  23. Championia Gardner
  24. Chautemsia A.O.Araujo & V.C.Souza
  25. Chayamaritia D.J.Middleton & Mich.Möller
  26. Christopheria J.F.Sm. & J.L.Clark
  27. Chrysothemis Decne.
  28. Codonanthe (Mart.) Hanst.
  29. Codonanthopsis Mansf.
  30. Codonoboea Ridl.
  31. Columnea Plum. ex L.
  32. Conandron Siebold & Zucc.
  33. Corallodiscus Batalin
  34. Coronanthera Vieill. ex C.B.Clarke
  35. Corytoplectus Oerst.
  36. Crantzia Scop.
  37. Cremersia Feuillet & L.E.Skog
  38. Cremosperma Benth.
  39. Cremospermopsis L.E.Skog & L.P.Kvist
  40. Cubitanthus Barringer
  41. Cyrtandra J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.
  42. Damrongia Kerr ex Craib
  43. Depanthus S.Moore
  44. Diastema Benth.
  45. Didissandra C.B.Clarke
  46. Didymocarpus Wall.
  47. Didymostigma W.T.Wang
  48. Dorcoceras Bunge
  49. Drymonia Mart.
  50. Emarhendia Kiew, A.Weber & B.L.Burtt
  51. Episcia Mart.
  52. Epithema Blume
  53. Eucodonia Hanst.
  54. Fieldia A.Cunn.
  55. Gasteranthus Benth.
  56. Gesneria Plum. ex L.
  57. Glabrella Mich.Möller & W.H.Chen
  58. Glossoloma Hanst.
  59. Gloxinella (H.E.Moore) Roalson & Boggan
  60. Gloxinia L’Hér.
  61. Gloxiniopsis Roalson & Boggan
  62. Goyazia Taub.
  63. × Goydirola A.O.Araujo & M.Peixoto
  64. Gyrocheilos W.T.Wang
  65. Gyrogyne W.T.Wang
  66. Haberlea Friv.
  67. Hemiboea C.B.Clarke
  68. Henckelia Spreng.
  69. Heppiella Regel
  70. Hexatheca C.B.Clarke
  71. Jerdonia Wight
  72. Kaisupeea B.L.Burtt
  73. Kohleria Regel
  74. Lampadaria Feuillet & L.E.Skog
  75. Langbiangia Luu, C.L.Hsieh & K.F.Chung
  76. Lembocarpus Leeuwenb.
  77. Lenbrassia G.W.Gillett
  78. Leptoboea Benth.
  79. Lesia J.L.Clark & J.F.Sm.
  80. Liebigia Endl.
  81. Litostigma Y.G.Wei, F.Wen & Mich.Möller
  82. Loxocarpus R.Br.
  83. Loxonia Jack
  84. Loxostigma C.B.Clarke
  85. Lysionotus D.Don
  86. Mandirola Decne.
  87. Metapetrocosmea W.T.Wang
  88. Michaelmoelleria F.Wen, Y.G.Wei & T.V.Do
  89. Microchirita (C.B.Clarke) Yin Z.Wang
  90. Middletonia C.Puglisi
  91. Mitraria Cav.
  92. Monophyllaea R.Br.
  93. Monopyle Moritz ex Benth. & Hook.f.
  94. Moussonia Regel
  95. Napeanthus Gardner
  96. Nautilocalyx Linden ex Hanst.
  97. Negria F.Muell.
  98. Nematanthus Schrad.
  99. Neomortonia Wiehler
  100. Niphaea Lindl.
  101. Nomopyle Roalson & Boggan
  102. Orchadocarpa Ridl.
  103. Oreocharis Benth.
  104. Ornithoboea C.S.P.Parish ex C.B.Clarke
  105. Pachycaulos J.L.Clark & J.F.Sm.
  106. Pagothyra (Leeuwenb.) J.F.Sm. & J.L.Clark
  107. Paliavana Vell. ex Vand.
  108. Paraboea (C.B.Clarke) Ridl.
  109. Paradrymonia Hanst.
  110. Pearcea Regel
  111. Peltanthera Benth.
  112. Petrocodon Hance
  113. Petrocosmea Oliv.
  114. Pheidonocarpa L.E.Skog
  115. Phinaea Benth.
  116. Platystemma Wall.
  117. Primulina Hance
  118. Pseudochirita W.T.Wang
  119. Rachunia D.J.Middleton & C.Puglisi
  120. Ramonda Rich.
  121. Raphiocarpus Chun
  122. Reldia Wiehler
  123. Resia H.E.Moore
  124. Rhabdothamnopsis Hemsl.
  125. Rhabdothamnus A.Cunn.
  126. Rhoogeton Leeuwenb.
  127. Rhynchoglossum Blume
  128. Rhynchotechum Blume
  129. Rhytidophyllum Mart.
  130. Ridleyandra A.Weber & B.L.Burtt
  131. Rufodorsia Wiehler
  132. Sanango G.S.Bunting & J.A.Duke
  133. Sarmienta Ruiz & Pav.
  134. Seemannia Regel
  135. Senyumia Kiew, A.Weber & B.L.Burtt
  136. Sepikea Schltr.
  137. Shuaria D.A.Neill & J.L.Clark
  138. Sinningia Nees
  139. Smithiantha Kuntze
  140. Solenophora Benth.
  141. Somrania D.J.Middleton
  142. Spelaeanthus Kiew, A.Weber & B.L.Burtt
  143. Sphaerorrhiza Roalson & Boggan
  144. Stauranthera Benth.
  145. Streptocarpus Lindl.
  146. Tetraphylloides Doweld
  147. Titanotrichum Soler.
  148. Tribounia D.J.Middleton
  149. Trichodrymonia Oerst.
  150. Tylopsacas Leeuwenb.
  151. Vanhouttea Lem.
  152. Whytockia W.W.Sm.

The Joy of Cultivation

One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a gesneriad enthusiast is the cultivation process. Growing these plants requires patience, but the rewards are well worth it. From selecting the right soil mix to ensuring proper light and humidity, I’ve learned that each gesneriad has its specific needs.

I often find myself experimenting with different propagation techniques. Leaf cuttings, offsets, and seed propagation are methods I’ve explored with varying degrees of success. My experiences have taught me that patience is essential; some plants take longer to root than others, but the anticipation of new growth is always exciting.

Caring for Gesneriaceae

Caring for gesneriads can be an enjoyable yet challenging endeavor. These plants generally prefer warm, humid environments, which is why I’ve set up a small humidity dome for my collection. I also keep an eye on pests, as common houseplant pests can affect these plants. Regularly inspecting my plants has helped me catch any issues early on, ensuring my gesneriads remain healthy.

Fertilizing is another crucial aspect of care. I’ve found that using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season encourages vigorous growth and abundant blooms. This simple step has made a noticeable difference in the vitality of my plants.

Conclusion

The Gesneriaceae family has opened up a world of beauty and diversity for me as a plant lover. Through my experiences with genera like Saintpaulia, Gloxinia, and Sinningia, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for these remarkable plants. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, exploring the world of gesneriads can be an incredibly rewarding journey. I encourage you to consider adding these captivating plants to your collection and experience the joy they can bring to your home.

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