Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Gesneriaceae
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Gesneriaceae is a flowering plant family consisting of c. 146 genera and c. 2400 species, mostly in the Old World tropics but also many in the New World tropics as well with a few extending to temperate areas. Most species are herbs or subshrubs, a few are trees.
The most familiar members of the family to gardeners are the African Violets in the genus Saintpaulia .
Other genera in the family have become popular as houseplants. These include:
- Aeschynanthus
- Achimenes (aka Cupid's Bower or Hot Water Plant)
- Episcia (aka flame violet)
- Columnea (aka Flying Goldfish Plant)
- Nematanthus (aka Goldfish Plant)
- Streptocarpus (aka Cape Primrose)
- Smithiantha (aka Temple Bells)
- Alloplectus
- Nautilocalyx
- Besleria
Gesneriads are divided culturally into three groups depending on their root structure: fibrous, rhizomatous and tuberous.
10-26-2009 08:16:03
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The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details