Nematanthus

Last updated

Nematanthus
Nematanthuswettsteinii1.jpg
Nematanthus wettsteinii showing the distinctive "goldfish" flower of some species in the genus
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Gesneriaceae
Subfamily: Gesnerioideae
Genus: Nematanthus
Schrad. [1]
Synonyms [1]
  • HypocyrtaMart.
  • OrobanchiaVand.

Nematanthus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae. All of its species are endemic to Brazil. [1] Compared to other gesneriads, Nematanthus has leaves that are small, succulent, and hard-surfaced. The plant has a trailing, branching, and spreading habit; it is generally an epiphyte in nature and a hanging-basket plant in cultivation. The flower has fused petals. In some species, the flower has a "pouch" at the bottom. The fancied resemblance of such flowers to a goldfish gives these plants the common name goldfish plant or guppy plant.

Contents

Hummingbirds will often feed from the nectar-filled "goldfish" flowers.

Description

Nematanthus species are perennials or subshrubs, typically growing epiphytically, less often in humus-filled pockets on rocks. Their leaves are often reddish underneath. Their flowers have fused petals and vary quite widely in shape. Some have flowers with a "pouch" on the lower surface of the flower and a small opening (particularly those commonly cultivated). Others have flowers that are twisted through 180° when fully open (resupinate), so that if pouched, the pouch is at the top. Resupinate flowers may be brightly coloured, funnel-shaped and compressed from side to side, or white and bell-shaped. Some species have flowers that are borne on long pedicels and hang down below the plant, others have short pedicels so that the flowers are close to the stem. [2] [3]

Taxonomy

The genus Nematanthus was first described by Heinrich Adolph Schrader in 1821, [4] with the only species (and so the type species) being Nematanthus corticola , [5] one of the species with flowers hanging down on long pedicels. [3] The name Nematanthus is from Ancient Greek nema meaning 'thread' and anthos meaning 'flower', referring to the 20 cm (8 in) long pedicels of the type species. [3]

Nematanthus is placed in the subfamily Gesnerioideae, tribe Gesnerieae, subtribe Columneinae. [6] Within the subtribe, it forms a clade with Codonanthe , Codonanthopsis and Lesia : [7] [8]

Lesia

Codonanthopsis

Codanthe

Nematanthus

Species

As of April 2021, Plants of the World Online accepted the following species: [1]

Cultivation

Nematanthus thrive at temperatures between 18 and 25 °C (64 and 77 °F), although they stay more compact if grown at 15 to 17 °C (59 to 63 °F). [9] They may lose their leaves if temperatures go above this level. [9] [10] Nematanthus gregarius is said to tolerate temperatures down to −1 to 2 °C (30 to 35 °F). [11] Nematanthus do best in bright indirect light, [9] and can easily burn in direct sunlight. They prefer high humidity, and grow better under these conditions, but adapt to household humidity. [10] [12] The tuberous roots of this plant retain water, and Nematanthus prefer the soil to remain moist, and well-drained. The goldfish plant enjoys being pot-bound, and is more likely to bloom in that state. When grown in the right conditions, Nematanthus is known to bloom year-round. To encourage new blooms, regular pruning of the plant is recommended. [13] Plants can be propagated from cuttings. [9]

Cultivars

Nematanthus 'Tropicana' Nematanthus 'Tropicana' 091215.jpg
Nematanthus 'Tropicana'
Nematanthus gregarius 'Dibley's Gold' Nematanthus Dibleys Gold 3zz.jpg
Nematanthus gregarius 'Dibley's Gold'

'Tropicana' originated from a cross made in the United States by W. R. Saylor. The parents were reported to be N. perianthomegus and N. gregarius. [9] As of April 2021, N. perianthomegus was treated as a synonym of N. hirtellus by Plants of the World Online, [14] although other sources say that it is a synonym of N. tessmannii. [3] 'Tropicana' is initially upright, after which older branches trail. The leaves are 5 by 2.5 cm (2.0 by 1.0 in), glossy dark green with a reddish brown margin on the under surface. The flower has a red-brown calyx, the fused petals (perianth) being yellow with red-brown stripes and spots. 'Tropicana' produces flower buds all year round. [9]

'Rio' also originated from a cross by Saylor, in this case between N. gregarius and N. fissus (syn. Hypocyrta selloana). Its leaves are slightly larger than those of 'Tropicana', 6 by 6 cm (2.4 by 2.4 in), lighter green on both sides and less glossy. The flower is smaller, with a light green calyx and a striking orange-red perianth. 'Rio' makes buds all year round. [9]

'Herens' is of unknown origin. It resembles 'Tropicana', with a somewhat smaller leaf, 4.5 by 2 cm (1.8 by 0.8 in), with a reddish tinge on the underside. The calyx is red-green and the perianth orange-red. It can flower abundantly all year round. [9]

'Gietvoz' is also of unknown origin. It is a compact cultivar, less sensitive to unfavorable growing conditions such as overwatering or bright light. The leaf is smaller, 3.5 by 2 cm (1.4 by 0.8 in), and less tapered than that of other cultivars, and is thick, waxy and glossy. The underside of the leaf is red with a green edge and is clearly visible as the leaves are somewhat upright. The flower has an inconspicuous light green calyx and an orange-yellow perianth. Although 'Gietvoz' does not flower as readily as other cultivars, it has a good growth habit and attractive foliage. [9]

Saylor also made crosses between Codonanthe gracilis and Nematanthus hybrids, creating the hybrid genus × Codonatanthus. Two of the resulting cultivars are 'Fiesta' and 'Aurora'. [15] [9]

Nematanthus gregarius 'Dibley's Gold' has variegated leaves. [10]

Toxicity

Nematanthus is considered non-toxic and safe for pets by the ASPCA. [16]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gesneriaceae</span> Family of flowering plants including African violets

Gesneriaceae, the gesneriad family, is a family of flowering plants consisting of about 152 genera and ca. 3,540 species in the tropics and subtropics of the Old World and the New World, with a very small number extending to temperate areas. Many species have colorful and showy flowers and are cultivated as ornamental plants.

<i>Episcia</i> Genus of flowering plants

Episcia is a genus of flowering plants in the African violet family, Gesneriaceae. The ten species it contains are native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. The species are perennial herbaceous plants characterized by a stoloniferous habit, red flowers, and frequently have marked or patterned leaves. Episcias are sometimes called flame violets.

<i>Columnea</i> Genus of epiphytes

Columnea is a genus of around 200 species of epiphytic herbs and shrubs in the family Gesneriaceae, native to the tropics of the Americas and the Caribbean. The tubular or oddly shaped flowers are usually large and brightly colored – usually red, yellow, or orange – sometimes resembling a fish in shape. A common name is flying goldfish plants due to the unusual flower shape.

<i>Achimenes</i> Genus of flowering plants

Achimenes is a genus of about 25 species of tropical and subtropical rhizomatous perennial herbs in the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae. They have a multitude of common names such as magic flowers, widow's tears, Cupid's bower, or hot water plant.

<i>Kohleria</i> Genus of flowering plants

Kohleria is a New World genus of the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae. The plants are generally tropical herbs or subshrubs with velvety stems and foliage and brightly colored flowers with spots or markings in contrasting colors. They are rhizomatous and commonly include a period of dormancy in their growth cycle. The genus was revised in 1992 and was then recognized as having 19 species distributed in Central America and South America. phylogenetic in 2005 indicated that the epiphytic genus Capanea is derived from within Kohleria, and the two species of Capanea were subsequently transferred to Kohleria. The genus Pearcea is closely related.

<i>Sinningia</i> Genus of flowering plants

Sinningia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae. It is named after Wilhelm Sinning (1792–1874), a gardener of the Botanische Gärten der Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. There are about 65 species of tuberous herbaceous perennials, all occurring in Central and South America, with the greatest concentration of species occurring in southern Brazil.

<i>Codonanthe</i> Genus of epiphytes grown as houseplants

Codonanthe is a genus of mainly epiphytic plants in the family Gesneriaceae, endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. The botanical name comes from the Ancient Greek for 'bellflower'. They have white or pale pink flowers and somewhat fleshy leaves. In 2013, the genus was reduced in size when more than half of the species were transferred to Codonanthopsis. They can be grown as houseplants, particularly in hanging baskets. Artificial crosses with Nematanthus hybrids have produced the hybrid genus × Codonatanthus.

<i>Columnea consanguinea</i> Species of flowering plant

Columnea consanguinea is a species of flowering plants in the genus Columnea. They are endemic to Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Panama. They are distinctive for possessing red translucent heart-shaped markings on their leaves that serve to attract their main pollinators - the hummingbird Heliodoxa jacula - to their more inconspicuous flowers.

<i>Aeschynanthus pulcher</i> Species of flowering plant

Aeschynanthus pulcher, the lipstick plant or red bugle vine, is a species of evergreen perennial plant in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Indochina and western Malesia. An epiphytic climber, it produces clusters of red flowers from summer to winter. The common name "lipstick plant" refers to the bright red tubular flowers, about 6 cm long, that emerge from a maroon calyx, which resemble lipstick emerging from a tube. The plant may grow 60 cm to 2 meters tall, with an average spread of 50 cm. The leaves are elliptic and are arranged in pairs, with smooth edges.

<i>Sinningia bullata</i> Species of flowering plant

Sinningia bullata is a tuberous member of the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae. It produces small orange-red flowers and is found in Brazil. It is named for its bullate leaves, and also produces a woolly backing to its leaves.

Codonanthopsis elegans is a plant species in the family Gesneriaceae. It is native to Belize.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gesnerioideae</span> Subfamily of flowering plants

The Gesnerioideae are a subfamily of plants in the family Gesneriaceae: based on the type genus Gesneria. Although genera typically originate in the New World, some species have become widely distributed as ornamental plants.

An ant garden is a mutualistic interaction between certain species of arboreal ants and various epiphytic plants. It is a structure made in the tree canopy by the ants that is filled with debris and other organic matter in which epiphytes grow. The ants benefit from this arrangement by having a stable framework on which to build their nest while the plants benefit by obtaining nutrients from the soil and from the moisture retained there.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alain Chautems</span>

Alain Chautems is research associate at the Geneva "Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques de la Ville de Genève, Switzerland. He specialized in some of the most diverse Gesneriaceae of Brazil. Until 2016, he was researcher and curator at the Conservatory and Botanical Garden of the City of Geneva.

<i>Nematanthus gregarius</i> Species of flowering plant

Nematanthus gregarius, the clog plant or goldfish plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Brazil.

<i>Codonanthopsis</i> Genus of flowering plants

Codonanthopsis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae. Its native range is from southern Mexico through tropical America to Bolivia and most of Brazil. Codonanthopsis species are generally trailing epiphytes with pale flowers. Most have a mutualistic relationship with tree-living ants: the plants provide the ants with food, including nectar, and give their nests structure and support, while the ants disperse the plants' seeds. The genus was considerably expanded in 2013 when species were transferred from Codonanthe. Some Codonanthopsis species are cultivated as houseplants, when they may be grown in hanging baskets.

Rufodorsia is a genus of epiphytic flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae. The genus name refers to the reddish back of the upper lobes of the flower. The relationship of Rufodorsia with the genus Oerstedina is uncertain, as of April 2021. It is native to montane cloud forest in Central America.

Oerstedina is a genus of epiphytic flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Mexico, Costa Rica and Panama. The relationship of Oerstedina to the genus Rufodorsia is uncertain, as of April 2021.

<i>Moussonia</i> (plant) Genus of flowering plants

Moussonia is a genus of plants in the family Gesneriaceae. Its native range stretches from Mexico to Central America. It is found in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Panamá.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "Nematanthus Schrad.". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2021-04-04.
  2. ↑ Chautems, A. & Perret, M. (2017). "Description and phylogenetic position of a new species of Nematanthus (Gesneriaceae) from Bahia, Brazil" (PDF). Candollea. 72: 351–359. doi:10.15553/c2017v722a13 . Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "The Genus Nematanthus" (PDF). The Newsletter of the Delaware African Violet and Gesneriad Society. 13 (4). 2010.
  4. ↑ "Nematanthus Schrad.". The International Plant Names Index . Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  5. ↑ Schrader, H.A. (1821). "72 Stück". Gottingische Gelehrte Anzeigen unter der Aufsicht der Konigl. Gesellschaft der Wissenschaften (in German). 20: 705–720. p. 718.
  6. ↑ Weber, A.; Middleton, D.J.; Clark, J.L. & Möller, M. (2020). "Keys to the infrafamilial taxa and genera of Gesneriaceae". Rheedea. 30 (1): 5–47. doi: 10.22244/rheedea.2020.30.01.02 .
  7. ↑ Smith, James F. & Clark, John L. (2013). "Molecular Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Undiscovered Monospecific Genera in the tribe Episcieae (Gesneriaceae)" (PDF). Systematic Botany. 38 (2): 451–463. doi:10.1600/036364413X666723. JSTOR   24546074 . Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  8. ↑ Chautems, Alain & Perret, Mathieu (2013). "Redefinition of the Neotropical Genera Codonanthe (Mart.) Hanst. and Codonanthopsis Mansf. (Gesneriaceae)" (PDF). Selbyana. 31 (2): 143–156. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Lentjes, P.W.M. (1986). "Nematanthus-cultivars uit VS en Ierland : Perspectief biedende nieuwe, bloeiende potplanten". Vakblad voor de Bloemisterij (in Dutch). 37: 44–47. Reproduced as Bijlage ('Appendix') 7, pp. 28–30, in Lentjes, P.W.M. (1987). Produktvernieuwing bij Potplanten Gesneriaceae (Intern Verslag nr. 31) (in Dutch). Aalsmeer: Proefstation voor de Bloemisterij in Nederland. Retrieved 2021-04-04.
  10. 1 2 3 Maxwell, Alcie. "Nematanthus". The Gesneriad Reference Web. The Gesneriad Society. Retrieved 2021-04-04.
  11. ↑ "Plant database entry for Goldfish Plant (Nematanthus gregarius) with 10 images and 26 data details". garden.org. Retrieved 2019-05-09.
  12. ↑ "Goldfish Plant Care: Growing And Caring For Columnea Plants". Plant Care Today. 2018-07-24. Retrieved 2019-05-09.
  13. ↑ "Goldfish Plant Care Tips - Columnea gloriosa". www.guide-to-houseplants.com. Retrieved 2019-05-09.
  14. ↑ "Nematanthus perianthomegus (Vell.) H.E.Moore". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2021-04-05.
  15. ↑ Saylor, W.R. (1978). "The first intergeneric hybrid between Codonanthe and Nematanthus (Gesneriaceae)". Selbyana. 5 (1): 1–3. JSTOR   41759513 . Retrieved 2021-04-04.
  16. ↑ "Gold-Fish Plant". ASPCA. Retrieved 2019-05-09.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.