Chirita is an old world genus, with about 150 species ranging from Sri Lanka and India through the Himalayas into China and Southeast Asia down the Malay Peninsula, with a very few species reaching the islands of Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. A number of the species are grown for their unusual and very attractive foliage, with intricate silver designs on large green leaves. Others are grown for their unusual lavender, yellow or white flowers, usually produced in clusters on long or short stalks.
Some members of the genus seem to require relatively warm temperatures, and moderate humidity. They do well in standard "African violet" soil mixes, although some growers modify these through the addition of substances like perlite or vermiculite.
It is clear, however, that a number of the members of this genus tolerate cool to downright cold temperatures. Toshijiro Okuto, of Kakogawa, Japan, reports that a number of the species he has provided for display on this site experience temperatures down to 0° C in winter, and respond to the arrival of spring with a spectacular flush of bloom. Even C. eburnea, he reports, tolerates temperatures to 5° C.
John Boggan of the Smithsonian Institute has prepared an overview of the genus, with emphasis on taxonomy. This article may be viewed by clicking here.
Chiritopsis is a close relative of Chirita, and has only recently been introduced into cultivation.
