Gloxinia is a genus in the family Gesneriaceae. It once encompassed many species, including the Florist's Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa and hybrids). The current concept of the genus contains only three species. Plants are small herbs and have scaly rhizomes as a storage organ during dormancy.
Gloxinia erinoides is a widespread species native from Costa Rica south to Bolivia and Brazil. Several forms of this species exist in cultivation. Cultivation is successful both in enclosed structures to preserve humidity and in an open environment.
Gloxinia erinoides 'Red Satin' is perhaps the most common form of the species in cultivation. It has deep maroon leaves with silver specks, and flowers that have a slight scent of coconut. The photos below were taken by Nhu Nguyen.
Gloxinia erinoides 'Teresina de Goiás' has green leaves, with no discernible silver specks on the leaves and flowers with a slight bit more red on the back surface of the upper petals. The photos below were taken by Nhu Nguyen grown by a member of the San Francisco Gesneriad Society.
Gloxinia perennis is widespread from the Caribbean, south through Central America to Bolivia and east towards Suriname.
Gloxinia xanthophylla is native to Peru.