Sinningia speciosa

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iSinningia speciosa

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Lamiales
Family: Gesneriaceae
Genus: Sinningia
Species: S. speciosa
Binomial name
Sinningia speciosa
Baill.

Sinningia speciosa, commonly known in the horticultural trade as Gloxinia, is a tuberous member of the flowering plant family Gesneriaceae. The common name has persisted since its original introduction to cultivation from Brazil in 1817 as Gloxinia speciosa. The name Florist's gloxinia is sometimes used to distinguish it from the rhizomatous species now included in the genus Gloxinia. The plants produce large, velvety, brightly colored flowers and are popular houseplants. Cultural requirements are similar to those of African Violets except that S. speciosa generally requires more light and often has a dormant period, when the tuber should be kept cool and dry until it resprouts.