
Columnea linearis Oerst. Natural species, a native of South America from Costa Rica. The flowers are large, 4-5 cm long, solitary, two-lipped, tubular, pubescent, bright red-pink color with a lighter hood. After flowering showing white berries. The leaves are dark green, about 8-10 cm long, petiolate, opposite, lanceolate, narrow, acuminate. Stems erect, thick, hard, succulent. Compact shrub, growing well in moderately moist soil of sandy loam. Prefers moderate shade, withstands temperatures up to -7°C. Is used as a houseplant, valued for its spectacular contrast of very dark leaves and bright flowers.