About Gloxinia perennis (L.) Druce
Gloxinia perennis (L.) Druce produces an erect, glabrous flowering stem that grows in a raceme-like shape, reaching a height of 60 to 120 centimeters. Its flowers are showy, bell-shaped, and nodding, with a pale purple or violet-lavender color. The flowers carry a mint scent, and measure approximately 4 centimeters long. Its leaves are arranged oppositely, are glabrous, and have visible venation. Flowering occurs from mid-summer through early fall. This plant produces fruits that are ovoid to elliptical capsules, which hold numerous minute seeds. It also grows scaly underground rhizomes. This species has a broad distribution across Central and South America, ranging from Costa Rica south to Colombia, Brazil, and Peru. It occurs primarily in the Andes of South America, while populations in Central America and the West Indies are likely escapes from cultivation. The exact original native range of this species is not known. Gloxinia perennis prefers shady, humid habitats, and grows in forests, on rocks, and along river banks.
