African Violets and Gesneriads: are we ready? September bingo !!, 1 by Keyring

Keyring wrote:
19. odd one out Chirita tamiana

Not really sure why I decided to call this the odd one out. Perhaps because it doesn't do rosettes, but has a stem... but then there are other Chiritas with a stem like lavandulacea and horsfieldii. Hmmmm........

Anyway, as you all probably know, this is a mini and one tough cookie. I literally had some SEEDLINGS that didn't get water for 2 MONTHS and were still alive. Currently the red pot you see in the photo hasn't been watered in about as much. (Not recommending this desert regimen - just sayin' it's tough!)

Propagation by seed, leaf, cuttings..... This plant first came to me in the form of a free seed pod from a friend. That pod sprouted several hundred seedlings! it was a nightmare!

The flowers develop inside very prominent bracts, making them look a little funny. But I do love the blue and white flowers.

I find mine develop "necks" so I have to pot them deeper every now and then.

more on the genus Chirita: http://www.gesneriads.ca/genchiri.htm
http://www.botanik.univie.ac.at/morphology/genera_gesneriace...