Native to South America, the genus Sinningia comprises perennials that reach 20-25 cm tall. Gloxinia is a tuberous perennial, decorative with flowers and leaves, and is often used as a houseplant. The flowers are large, bell-shaped, velvety, supported by long stalks and are coloured purple, pink, red. The leaves are large, oval-lanceolate, pubescent, with wavy margins.