Calceolaria uniflora, commonly known as Darwin’s Slipper, is a perennial herb native to the cool temperate forests and alpine regions of Tierra del Fuego in southern South America. This intriguing plant rarely exceeds 4 inches in height and features pouch-like flowers that are predominantly yellow with intricate white and brownish-red markings. The flowering season occurs during the brief austral summer, and the flowers are quite showy, attracting attention with their unique shape and vibrant colors. Darwin’s Slipper has a specialized pollination system involving the least seedsnipe, a bird that consumes the sugary floral appendage, thus ensuring effective pollination.

In cultivation, Darwin’s Slipper is appreciated for its distinctive flowers and compact size, making it a fascinating addition to alpine gardens, rockeries, and as a curiosity in plant collections. It requires cool conditions, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and well-drained, humus-rich soil to thrive. Partial shade is ideal, mimicking its native understory habitat. While not commonly found in cultivation, it can be grown from seed or division. Care should be taken to avoid overwatering and to protect it from hot temperatures. There are no widely recognized cultivars, and the plant is not known for being invasive or having significant disease problems. However, its specific growing requirements can make it a challenge for the average gardener.CC BY-SA 4.0