They are epiphytes, native to tropical areas of China, India as well as Bhutan’s southern borders, wherever minimal frost occurs.

The plants have even evolved modified leaves to provide the ants housing and/or storage, in exchange for pollination of their blooms.

As time progresses, the leaf margins curl under (to close the gap), which creates a small hole.

Other clear examples of shingling can be found with the growth habits of English ivy, Marcgravia, and Ficus pumila (creeping fig).

The following is an alphabetical listing of the 128 species in this genus that are accepted by Plants of the World Online as of February 2025[update].