Nematanthus and Codonanthe are South and Central American species, often characterized by relatively succulent, hard-surfaced foliage, although these characteristics are not evident to the same degree in all species. Most are grown as basket plants, and have a branching and spreading habit, with some members of the Codonanthe group being more inclined to produce large baskets with wiry and trailing stems.
Nematanthus (some of which are still occasionally known by the old term Hypocyrta) have a characteristic pouched flower, usually but not always with a very small opening. They are generally epiphytic in nature, and like most tropical plants adapted to that habitat, require a fairly open planting medium that is allowed to dry somewhat between waterings.
Codonanthe can be epiphytic, but are also reported as being closely associated with several species of ants. In the latter case, the plants grow on anthills, with the roots helping to bind the loose soil of the hill together. The seeds are apparently similar in appearance to ant eggs or larvae, and are carried by the ants when migrating to a new location, where they germinate and start the cycle over again.
Codonanthe flowers are generally white, with or without fimbriation and spotting. They are small, but produced in large numbers on a well-grown plant. The fruit is a berry, often colorful, which is allowed to remain on show plants as it is decorative and conducive to an overall favorable effect. Like Nematanthus, Codonanthe requires a fairly open medium that is allowed to dry somewhat between waterings.
The intergeneric hybrids, referred to as xCodonatanthus, are very showy, with flowers intermediate between the two parents.
Nematanthus wettsteinii
