Calceolarius means shoemaker in Latin and describes this genus of flowers, whose shape of the lower lip reminds people of a
lady slipper.
This genus has 300 species and is endemic to the Americas
and is most abundant in the Andes at around 3000m. Instead of nectar, they offer an oily substance to its pollinators.
Bees, for instance, are known to use
it to feed their larvae.
Since the 19th century this genus is integrated in floriculture and
many hybrids were created
since then.
For more information and explanation of flowering plants,
click to information.biodiversity.plants
of our Ecuador-Travelnet.
