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Perennial of the Calceolariaceae family, native to the Chilean and Andean Argentina, where it colonizes rocky grassy slopes and mountain path edges, generally between 1,000 and 2,500 meters.
It forms a flattened basal rosette, spread at the level of the substrate, with spatulate leaves, well-marked veins, entirely covered with a dense and silky whitish tomentum, particularly visible on the young central leaves. It is this arachnoid character, evoking a fine web, that justifies the Latin epithet of the species. From this rosette rise large erect floral stems, reaching 30 to 50 cm, which contrast with the compact habit of the foliage.
The flowers are small, globular, almost spherical, of a velvety deep magenta-purple, covered with a fine down that accentuates their remarkable texture. They are grouped in compact and dense cymes at the top of the stems.
In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from December to February (austral summer). In cultivation under temperate climate, it blooms from June to August.
It requires a very well-drained, light soil, in a sunny exposure, and dreads stagnant winter humidity more than cold. Its hardiness is estimated around -10°C in dry conditions. It is suitable for collection rock gardens, troughs, and cultivation under glass shelter in regions with wet winters.