Conandron is a monotypic genus of flowering plant in the family Gesneriaceae, within the order Lamiales. It contains a single species, Conandron ramondioides, native to eastern Asia, where it occurs in southeastern China, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
The plant is a perennial herb growing to roughly 30 cm tall, forming large basal leaves close to the ground. In summer it produces purple flowers. It typically grows on damp rock faces, in forests, and along streamsides, and is considered a common species in Japan.
Its Japanese common name, 岩煙草 (iwatabako), translates as "rock tobacco" — a reference both to the resemblance of its leaves to tobacco plants and to its characteristic habit of growing on exposed rock surfaces.
Etymology
The Japanese common name (岩煙草, iwatabako) means "rock tobacco," referring to the resemblance of its leaves to tobacco and its habit of growing on exposed rock.
Distribution
Native to eastern Asia, occurring in southeastern China, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
Ecology
Grows on damp rock faces, in forests, and along streamsides; it is a common species in Japan.
Taxonomy Notes
Conandron is a monotypic genus in the family Gesneriaceae (order Lamiales), containing only Conandron ramondioides.
