Gesneraceæ (jesnerasee)

pl. [NL., fem. pl. of gesneraceus: see gesneraceous.] An order of gamopetalous exogens, with irregular corollas, didynamous stamens, and a one-celled ovary with two parietal many-seeded placentæ. It is nearly allied to the Scrophulariaceæ. It includes about 70 genera and 700 species, natives of tropical or subtropical regions, especially of America. They are herbs or shrubs, with usually opposite leaves, and with large, showy, and often very handsome flowers. Among the larger genera are Gesnera, Gloxinia, Cyrtandra, Eschy nanthus, and Achimenes, many species of which are found in cultivation. The succulent fruits of some species are edible.