A genus of tropical flowering plants with tubular or funnel-shaped flowers, many of which are popular houseplants with hanging or climbing vines.
Named after a plant or mythological figure, likely referencing 'columna' (column) in some way, though the exact etymology is uncertain. The genus was formally described in the 18th century during the great period of tropical plant discovery and collection. The scientific name became standard in botanical Latin nomenclature.
Columnea plants are epiphytes—they grow on trees in rainforests without harming them—and their popularity as houseplants has saved some endangered species by creating a market for cultivation rather than wild harvesting.
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