While many of the plants are terrestrial, the majority, at least as regards number of individuals, are epiphytic in habit.

Especially beautiful are the Columneas, whose usually large and brilliant red blossoms furnish a large part of the bright color seen on the upper mountain slopes, where they often are associated with Ericaceae and other conspicuous epiphytes.

Very handsome, too, are some of the epiphytic species of Drymonia and Alloplectus.

Most curious in their flowers are the Campaneas, whose oddly colored blossoms dangle from the branches on cordlike peduncles.

Most gorgeous of terrestrial Gesneriaceae is Solenophora calycosa, whose red-orange corollas are as large as teacups.