Calceolaria

Calceolaria (Lat. calceolus, 'a little shoe'), a South American genus of Serophulariaceae (q.v.), ranging along the western slope of the Andes and southwards to the islands. Several species have reached the Falkland Islands, and two reached New Zealand. The species are undershrubs or herbs, mostly perennial, and have terminal panicles or cymes of showy flowers of the familiar two-lipped slipper, or 'fisherman's basket'-like flowers. The colours in this genus vary greatly, and florists have produced innumerable hybrids and varieties since they were introduced about 1830. They are largely cultivated as half-hardy or greenhouse plants, and are easily propagated by cuttings; they grow freely, but require to be well watered. Some of the species are used in South America for dyeing.