Gesneriaceae

Gloxinia Family

Didymocarpus villosus D. Don

Stone flower

Nepali: Kiya, Kumakum Dhup

This flower grows on rocks thus the name is very appropriate. The rumpled ovate leaves are in a cluster at the base of the plant. The purplish-red flowers are found on an erect stem from the leaf base. It is found at 1500m up to 3000m. At Phulchowki they are most common on moss-covered rocks near the army camp at 2700m. They flower from June to July.

Henckelia urticifolia

(Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) A. Dietr.

Nettle Leaved Chirita

Nepali: Bhende or Aankle

This is tucked into rocky walls and lower vegetations where Impatiens are found.

The purplish-pink flower is tubular about 5cm in length with a yellowish-colored inner tube. Leaves are lance-shaped and hairy. They bloom from about 1700m up to 2200 and begin to bloom in early July and are still blooming in September.

Henckelia pumila (D.Don) A. Dietr.

Dwarf Chirita

Nepali:

This pretty plant was found nestled in some ferns on the side of the road at about 1800m. The long tubular pale purple flowers are covered in fine hairs. The lance-shaped leaves were mottled. The flowers were blooming in August. Dwarf Chirita is found in the Eastern Himalayas through to Myanmar, then on to Thailand and Vietnam. 

Platystemma violoides Wall.

Pansy Platystemma

Nepali:

Pansy Platystemma is found on rocks or tree trunks from mid-elevation to below the army camp at 2750m. They are often in clusters. The leaves are heart-shaped at the base of the long thin stem where one or two flowers are located. The flowers are tiny deep purple-colored with a pale center and yellow anthers. It is found across the Himalayas and into Tibet.