| Achimenes | ||||||||||||
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 Achimenes erecta | ||||||||||||
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Achimenes is a genus of about 25 species of rhizomatous 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. The plant's name comes from the Greek word meaning "suffer from cold."
The genus is native to Central America and the Caribbean, with the largest number of species occurring in Mexico. A complete list of the species, with their synonyms, can be found in the Smithsonian Institution's World Checklist of Gesneriaceae.
Recent phylogenetic studies have supported the segregation of the genus Eucodonia from Achimenes.
- Selected species
- Achimenes grandiflora (Schiede) DC.
- Achimenes longiflora DC.
Cultivation
Achimenes species and hybrids are commonly grown as greenhouse plants, or outdoors as bedding plants in subtropical regions. The species have been extensively hybridised, with many of the hybrids involving the large-flowered species A. grandiflora and A. longiflora. Many of the species and their hybrids have large, brightly coloured flowers. They are generally easy to grow as long as their basic requirements are met, a rich well-drained, bright indirect light, warmth, constant moisture, and high humidity. They have a winter dormancy and overwinter as scaly rhizomes, which should be kept dry until they sprout again in the spring. Some of the species and their hybrids are moderately hardy and can be grown outdoors year-round in zone 8, or even zone 7 with protection.