| Achimenes | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus: | Achimenes P.Browne (1756) |
| Species[1] | |
24; see text | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Achimenes/æˈkɪmɪniːz/[2] is agenus of about 25 species of tropical and subtropicalrhizomatous perennialherbs in theflowering plant familyGesneriaceae. They have a multitude of common names such asmagic flowers,widow's tears,Cupid's bower, orhot water plant.
According to some authorities, the plant's name may come from the Greek wordcheimanos meaning "tender" or "sensitive to cold".[3]
The genus is native toMexico andCentral America, with one species (A. erecta) occurring naturally in theWest Indies. The largest number of species is found in Mexico. Several species and hybrids are widely cultivated and naturalized outside their native range. A complete list of the species, with their synonyms and geographic distributions, can be found in the Smithsonian Institution's World Checklist of Gesneriaceae.
Two species previously included inAchimenes are now classified in thesegregation genusEucodonia and several phylogenetic studies have supported this separation.
24 species are accepted.[1]
Achimenes species and hybrids are commonly grown as greenhouse plants, or outdoors as bedding plants in subtropical regions. The species have been extensivelyhybridized, with many of the hybrids involving the large-flowered speciesA. grandiflora andA. longiflora. Many of the species and their hybrids have large, brightly colored flowers and are cultivated as ornamental greenhouse and bedding plants. They are generally easy to grow as long as their basic requirements are met: a rich well-drained soil on the acid side, bright indirect light, warmth, constant moisture, and high humidity. They have a winter dormancy and overwinter as scaly rhizomes, which should be kept dry until they sprout again in the spring. Some of the species and their hybrids are moderately hardy and can be grown outdoors year-round in zone 8, or even zone 7 with protection.
In the UK, the following have gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit:-
