Sinningia schiffneri

1. Flower closeup
2. Fruit closeup
3. Feature table
4. Publication and etymology

This shrubby sinningia has two forms in cultivation.  One has plain green leaves and stems, and the other (shown in the picture) has red petioles and red veins on the leaf backs.  The latter form is more attractive.  Attractive vegetative growth is important because S. schiffneri doesn't produce a lot of flowers, and the ones it does produce are relatively small.

The plant does not branch readily.  Almost all the branching is at or near the base.  This is in contrast to its relative, Sinningia gerdtiana, which branches at every opportunity.  These two species are the only sinningias which never form tubers.  Their next closest relative is the bizarre Paliavana plumerioides.

Giving this species plenty of water will both prolong the blooming season and produce a greater abundance of flowers.

Hitting the Spots

This plant was grown by Jon Dixon.

Note the grooves in the base of the flower.  They are also apparent in the S. schiffneri hybrid S. 'Carnaval'.

Fruit and Seeds

This species has a relatively large fruit for a sinningia.  The seeds are large and chunky, about 0.5 mm in diameter (that's large for a sinningia).

This photo was taken using an LED flashlight for illumination.