P. hypocyrtiflora is a diminutive plant, which grows and is normally reproduced from rhizomatous root structures. It has very attractively marked (and sparkly) foliage, that is usually seen in this reddish brown and green version.
I have grown plants of P. hypocyrtiflora from seed obtained by selfing my own plant, and the seedlings were either the standard darkish-leaved sort, or a plain green-leaved type (with lighter veins). The late Dr. Hans Wiehler of the Gesneriad Research Foundation confirmed that in nature both leaf forms are found, usually growing together in substantial colonies in tropical rain forests.
The bright flowers of P. hypocyrtiflora are unusually pouched, almost round, with the lobes opening only under optimum conditions. They are probably hummingbird pollinated.
Additional photos of the species may be seen in a slideshow by clicking one of the links below:
- The flowers of a plant exhibited at the 2023 convention show of the Gesneriad Society
- A close view of the patterned leaf from the 2023 plant
- Beautifully grown show plant (without flowers) exhibited at the 2008 convention of the Gesneriad Society
- A closeup of the flowers.
- A green-leaved form (alongside a dark-leaved plant), growing in the wild
- An antique botanical print, from more than 150 years ago
