Episcia is a genus of about ten species of perennial herbaceous flowering plants belonging to the African violet family, Gesneriaceae, in the order Lamiales. The genus is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, where its members grow in shaded understory habitats — a characteristic reflected in the genus name itself.
Plants in this genus are readily recognized by their stoloniferous growth habit, spreading by runners much like strawberries, and by their distinctively ornamental foliage, which is frequently marked or patterned with contrasting colors and textures. Flowers are typically red, though orange, pink, blue, and yellow forms are known. The combination of decorative leaves and colorful blooms has earned the genus the common name flame violets.
For much of the twentieth century, Episcia was defined broadly to encompass a wide range of related plants. Since 1978, the genus has been restricted to a narrower circumscription following the separation of Paradrymonia, Chrysothemis, Nautilocalyx, and Alsobia as distinct genera — a reclassification subsequently supported by molecular phylogenetic studies.
Episcias are widely cultivated as houseplants in both tropical and temperate regions, valued chiefly for their striking foliage. Numerous cultivars have been developed through selection and hybridization, primarily from the species Episcia cupreata and Episcia reptans.
Etymology
The genus name Episcia derives from the Greek episkios (επισκισς), meaning "shaded," referring to the natural understory habitat in which these plants grow in tropical Central and South American forests.
Distribution
Episcia species are native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. When cultivated outside their native range, they sometimes naturalize in tropical climates.
Taxonomy Notes
Episcia formerly encompassed a much broader set of genera. Since 1978 the genus has been narrowed, with Paradrymonia, Chrysothemis, Nautilocalyx, and Alsobia treated as separate genera. This segregation has been confirmed by molecular phylogenetic analyses.
Cultivation
Episcias are popular houseplants in both tropical and temperate regions, grown primarily for their attractive, often patterned foliage. They spread by stolons and thrive in warm, humid, shaded conditions. Most horticultural cultivars have been produced by selection and hybridization of Episcia cupreata and Episcia reptans.
