Gesneriaceae
Guides
Gesneria
Gesneria is a genus of approximately 50–62 species of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, native primarily to Caribbean islands with rare South American exceptions. The genus is distinguished by woody shrub or subshrub habit and alternate leaf arrangement—unusual in the family where decussate leaves are typical. Gesneria is classified in tribe Gesnerieae alongside Bellonia, Pheidonocarpa, and Rhytidophyllum. The genus exhibits high endemism in Caribbean biodiversity hotspots, with many species restricted to single mountain ranges or islands.