Sinningia piresiana produces a caudex-like tuber, and in general habit is similar to S. canescens or S. leucotricha, including somewhat silvery leaves. The flowers have some resemblance to those illustrated in an antique print of Gesneria douglasii.
Alan Lavergne, GRW Sinningia editor and proprietor of the website “Sinningia and Friends” reports that he has made hybrids with this species, and these usually have subdued markings on the outside of the corolla and hairy but not silvery leaves.
This species is very attractive and well worth a grower’s investment of time. It is somewhat variable, with flowers usually pink, but occasionally orange.
Additional photos may be seen in a slide show by clicking one of the links below:
- The whole plant of the feature photo above, showing the exposed tuber
- A whole plant with the exposed tuber, exhibited at the 2021 virtual show of the Gesneriad Society
- A whole plant with orange flowers, also exhibited at the 2021 virtual show of the Gesneriad Society
- A small plant exhibited at the 2020 virtual show of the Gesneriad Society
- A hybrid involving S. cardinalis
