Sinningia leucotricha Gesneriaceae Fred Coe, Ross This is one of those plants that makes you want to pet it, as its leaves look like they are made of thick white velvet. It can develop a very large tuber to 6 inches across. It is dormant for part of the year, usually late summer into winter and then in early spring sends up its wonderful white leaves and sprays of tubular apricot orange flowers. It is best grown in a cool greenhouse but will survive outdoors with protection from excess winter moisture. It is native to Brazil. . Photo by Steve Morse