Diastema sp.

by Chuck Nishihira

A very nice and easy to grow species of Diastema from Panama.  Unfortunately, identification has to wait until someone flowers it.  This seems to be a common problem with gesneriads.  Many are easy to grow, but not that easy to flower. In this case, the beautiful bumpy textured hairy leaves and the mahogany-colored new leaves, make it a pleasure to grow even if it doesn’t flower.