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Aeschynanthus is a genus of about 150 species of evergreen subtropical and tropical plants in the family Gesneriaceae. They are usually trailing epiphytes with brightly colored flowers that are pollinated by sunbirds. The genus name comes from a contraction of aischuno (to be ashamed) and anthos (flower).<ref name="Eggli Newton 2004">Template:Cite book</ref> The common name for some species is lipstick plant, which comes from the appearance of the developing buds emerging from the calyces.

The genus contains a large variety of plants with differing features. Some have thick, waxy cuticles while others have much softer leaves. Species such as A. speciosus are large where A. micranthus is much smaller and trailing. Several species are valued in temperate climates as houseplants, notably A. longicaulis, A. pulcher and A. radicans.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

CultivationEdit

They require good lighting and semi-moist, well-drained soil conditions to grow, though they vary and some require more moist soil. They also prefer warm and humid conditions.Template:Citation needed

SpeciesEdit

A full list of the accepted species and their synonyms can be found in the Smithsonian Institution's World Checklist of Gesneriaceae.Template:Citation neededTemplate:Div col

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Recently described species include:

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ReferencesEdit

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External linksEdit

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