Streptocarpus hilsenbergii is a member of Section Hova within subgenus Streptocarpella, and is a Madagascan species. Most members of this Section have small and inconspicuous flowers, but S. hilsenbergii is an exception. The flowers are 25 to 45 mm long, with a large and showy lower corolla lobe. It grows primarily in the wet tropical biome, often among rocks on hillsides.
A separate variety has been described, Str. hilsenbergii var. angustifolius, similar but with much narrower leaves. It is uncertain that this is a valid taxon. If it is, then the standard variety as illustrated here would be Str. hilsenbergii var. hilsenbergii.
Color is reported by Hilliard and Burtt to range from a rather pale violet to vivid red. Throat markings are generally a darker color, although some plants have white markings as in the photo above.
Additional photos may be seen in a slideshow by clicking one of the links below:
- A clump of plants illustrating the stemmed habit
- The clump shown in context, on mossy rocks adjacent to a stream
- A nice view of another set of flowers growing in Madagascar
- A substantial population growing by a rock overhang
- A single stem illustrating the species’ caulescent nature
- A red-flowered plant
- Another view of the red flower
