Columnea microphylla

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  • Photographer: Margaret Stone
  • Grown by: The Smithsonian Institution

Images copyright by the individual photographers or their institutions.


Some of the Columnea species, including C. microphylla, produce very long trailing stems, which can stretch for six feet or more from the top of the basket. Flower production can be spectacular, as in this specimen. Some have strongly seasonal habits, and respond to a period of cool night temperatures with spectacular bloom.

The name of the species accurately reflects the leaf size. The leaves are in fact very “micro”, often around 1/4″ to 3/8″ (<1 cm). C. gloriosa has very similar flowers and can trail beautifully, but has much larger leaves

Additional photos can be seen in a slideshow by clicking one of the links below: