Chirita heterotricha
I have yet to flower this splendid plant, but have enjoyed its fat leafyness. I have not yet propagated enough
to try its hardiness, but it seems to be quite tough , though I doubt it would take a hard frost. These
fleshy gesneriads all need to be dry in winter to avoid rot.
The online Flora of China lists it as coming from streamsides in forested valleys in Hainan at altitudes of 400-600m
, so there is no good reason to expect it to tolerate much cold (but no harm checking) !
13th June 2006
The flowers are produced on tall stems, and dangle straight down like the drips from an influenza struck nose.
The large leaves are produced sparingly. As the temperatures fell over winter the youngest leaves were stunted, and the whole plant has been set back as a result.
13th September 2008