Gloxinia (Gloxinia spp.) - Sweet-Smelling Ornamental Plants with Showy Flowers

Gloxinia (Gloxinia spp.) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, native to tropical America. The name "gloxinia" comes from the Greek word "glukos," meaning "sweet," likely due to the sweet-smelling flowers of these plants.

There are about 15 species of gloxinias, which are popular as ornamental plants for their showy, trumpet-shaped flowers. They are easy to grow and can be cultivated indoors or outdoors in warm climates. Gloxinias are also known as "tropical gloxinia" or "African gloxinia."

The most common species of gloxinia is Gloxinia sinuata, which has brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, purple, red, and white. Other species include Gloxinia ceciliae, Gloxinia grandiflora, and Gloxinia x hybrida.

Gloxinias are often grown as houseplants or used in floral arrangements, and they are also popular among collectors of rare and exotic plants.