This relative of the African violet is producing attractive flower in the Mountains House.
A native of south-central China Petrocosmea cryptica grows on rock faces in subtropical areas at approximately 1400m above sea level. One of 30 Asian species, it has a rosette of hairy leaves typical of the genus, and these dictate that it is grown under glass in cool conditions with protection from excessive moisture. The tubular flowers are held individually in a cyme and can vary in colour from pale mauve to white, and bring a welcome splash of colour to the Mountains House late in the year. The genus Petrocosmea belongs to the diverse pan-tropical family Gesneriaceae, which contains 150 genera, including familiar houseplants such as Saintpaulia (African violet) and Gloxinia.