A tuberous gesneriad with dark purple foliage that fades to a copper color with age. The leaves are simple, with dentate margins and a velvety surface. The undersides of the leaves are a vibrant purple color. The Stems and petioles are fleshy and break easily. Sometimes above ground tubers form at the lower nodes of the plant. The inflorescence emerges almost immediately after breaking dormancy in the Spring, and they continue to bloom until they go dormant in the Fall. The flowers, which only last one day, are a bright yellow with reddish orange stripes and spots. The flower calyces are a fiery orange, and they last all season. As more flowers bloom and fall off, the cluster of calyces grows larger over the course of the season. The contrast between the dark foliage and the bright inflorescences is striking and quite beautiful.
