216, see text Columnea is a genus of around 200 species of epiphytic herbs and shrubs in the family Gesneriaceae, native to the tropics of the Americas and the Caribbean.

A common name is flying goldfish plants (see also the related Nematanthus) due to the unusual flower shape.

A full list of the species now accepted in the genus, along with their synonyms, can be found at the World Checklist of Gesneriaceae.

[4] Columnea species grow as epiphytic plants in the wild and require bright light, good air circulation, and a well-drained growing medium that is allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.

The hybrid Columnea × banksii has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.