gloxinia

[ glok-sin-ee-uh ]

noun

1. any of several horticultural varieties of a plant belonging to the genus Sinningia, of the gesneria family, especially S. speciosa, having large white, red, or purple bell-shaped flowers.
2. any plant of the genus Gloxinia, of Central and South America, having bluish, white, or pink flowers.

gloxinia

/ ɡlɒkˈsɪnɪə /

noun

1. any of several tropical plants of the genus Sinningia, esp the South American S. speciosa, cultivated for its large white, red, or purple bell-shaped flowers: family Gesneriaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloxinia¹

Named after Benjamin P. Gloxin (flourished 1785), German physician and botanist; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of gloxinia¹

C19: named after Benjamin P. Gloxin, 18th-century German physician and botanist who first described it

Example Sentences

In Gloxinia the petals may be either regular or irregular, and the decoration changes in concert.

From Project Gutenberg

Sow in the manner advised for Gloxinia, and the two plants may be grown in the same house.

From Project Gutenberg

Peloric races of Gloxinia speciosa and Antirrhinum majus, i. 365.

From Project Gutenberg

A hardy deciduous flowering tree, bearing erect panicles of large, lilac, gloxinia-like flowers.

From Project Gutenberg