Horticultural cultivar from the Calceolariaceae family, obtained by hybridization from Andean species of Chile and Argentina. It is a compact rock garden perennial, selected for the robustness of its habit and the generosity of its flowering under cultivation conditions.
It forms a dense and spreading cushion of oval leaves, slightly crinkled and tomentose, of a soft grayish-green, barely exceeding 10 to 15 cm in height. This velvety foliage, clearly visible in the photograph, covers the ground tightly and contributes to the plant's appeal even when not in bloom.
The flowers, borne on short, erect, and slightly pubescent peduncles, feature a very developed lower lip, shaped like an elongated and slightly conical pouch, from orange-yellow to reddish-brown, densely marked with dark brown spots and streaks. A creamy white band crosses the inside of the pouch, further enhancing the flower's contrast. The upper lip, short and green, caps the whole like a small hood.
In cultivation under a temperate climate, the flowering extends from May to July.
It requires a very well-drained soil, poor to moderately rich, in full exposure. Its hardiness is estimated down to -15°C in dry soil. Ideal for rock gardens or trough cultivation in collections.