Nematanthus Black Magic (Gesneriaceae)
A perennial with a trailing growth habit, this plant is ideal for hanging baskets. It features glossy, dark green, lanceolate, opposite leaves with a leathery texture and sharply acuminate apices. The plant produces small, tubular red flowers with orange tips, adding striking ornamental appeal. The slender pedicels are hairy, and the purplish calyces are divided to the base, with segments that are linear-lanceolate. Thriving in bright, indirect light and well-drained soil, it requires moderate watering, making it a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor decoration.
Cultivation: Thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity, making it well-suited for hanging baskets in warm indoor environments. A well-draining mix such as orchid bark combined with peat moss and perlite is ideal. Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid waterlogging. Propagation is easy through stem cuttings, which root readily in moist soil or water. This plant’s graceful, trailing habit and continuous flowering make it a delightful addition to any indoor plant collection.
Etymology: The genus name Nematanthus is derived from the Greek words nema, meaning thread, and anthos, meaning flower, referring to the thread-like structure of the flowers pedicel. This genus is known for its distinctive tubular or pouch-shaped flowers, often resembling small goldfish, giving rise to the common name Goldfish Plant. The cultivar name Black Magic is a descriptive term chosen to highlight the plants dark foliage.
