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Perennial

Calceolaria Uniflora

Calceolaria uniflora

Darwin's Slipper FlowerHappy AlienPatagonian Slipper Flower

Calceolaria uniflora is a unique mountain flower from Patagonia, known for its distinctive pouch-shaped blooms with white appendages that attract bird pollinators.

Plant Family

Calceolariaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)

Blooming

Late spring to early summer (November-January in Southern Hemisphere)

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Unique Calceolaria uniflora flower showing its distinctive pouch shape and white appendage
Unique Calceolaria uniflora flower showing its distinctive pouch shape and white appendage

Symbolism & Meanings

Key Meanings

Help and assistance
Uniqueness
Adaptation
Resilience
Offering support

Perfect For

Expressions of helpUnique giftsBotanical appreciationNature conservation awareness

Color Meanings

Yellow:Joy and uniqueness in harsh conditions
White:Purity and offering (the white appendage eaten by pollinators)

Similar flowers: grevilleas and coastal wildflowerss also share similar meanings.

Cultural Significance

Famous for its unique pollination relationship with the least seedsnipe bird, representing the intricate connections in nature. Symbol of Patagonian wilderness and evolutionary adaptation.

Botanical Information

Physical Characteristics

Flower Size: 1.8-2.5 cm wide, pouch-shaped with distinctive white appendage
Plant Size: Up to 10 cm (4 inches) tall, low alpine cushion
Flower Shape: Distinctive slipper or pouch-shaped with inflated lower lip and white horizontal band

Natural Habitat

Native to: Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, Falkland Islands
Habitat: Rocky mountain slopes, alpine meadows, and harsh Patagonian terrain
Climate: Alpine, Cold temperate, Maritime

Growing Guide

Sunlight

Full sun to partial shade in alpine conditions

Water

Low to moderate; adapted to harsh mountain conditions with periodic moisture

Soil

Rocky, Well-drained, Gravelly, Poor soils

Expert Growing Tips

1

Extremely difficult to cultivate outside its native habitat

2

Requires very specific alpine conditions and climate

3

Best appreciated in its natural environment

4

Not commercially available for general gardening

Uses & Benefits

Ornamental Uses

  • Rock gardens and alpine collections
  • Botanical curiosity in specialized gardens
  • Conservation displays
  • Educational botanical exhibits

Traditional Uses

  • No documented traditional medicinal uses
  • Primarily valued for its unique ecological relationships

Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Calceolaria Uniflora

what is Calceolaria uniflora?

Calceolaria uniflora is a unique alpine flower from Patagonia, famous for its distinctive pouch shape and unusual bird pollination by the least seedsnipe.

can you grow Calceolaria uniflora in gardens?

Calceolaria uniflora is extremely difficult to cultivate outside its native Patagonian habitat and requires very specific alpine conditions.

what does Calceolaria uniflora symbolize?

Calceolaria uniflora symbolizes help, assistance, and offering support, with its pouch-like shape representing a hand reaching out or purse of kindness.

how is Calceolaria uniflora pollinated?

Calceolaria uniflora has a unique pollination relationship with the least seedsnipe bird, which eats the white appendage rich in sugars while pollinating the flower.

Available Colors

Yellow
White
Orange-brown

Quick Facts

Type:perennial
Family:Calceolariaceae (formerly Scrophulariaceae)
Native to:Patagonia
Blooms:Late spring to early summer (November-January in Southern Hemisphere)

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