Kohleria are herbacious perennial plants in the gesneriad family native to tropical America. Kohleria hirsuta has a broad distribution on Central America and northern South America. The scarlet tubular flowers do not flare out into large lobes like most hybrids. The tips are pale yellow with a dark red crescent. The leaves are dark green above and a rich purple beneath. In spite of the species name, it is no hairier than other kohlerias.

Kohlerias are characterized by soft, ovate scalloped leaves and tubular flowers that are covered with soft fuzz. Related to African violets, the leaves are often suffused with purple or brown. The tubes, which are an inch or two long are inflated and flare out into five spotted lobes. In the right conditions (indoors) kohlerias grow quickly and will need to be pinched back after flowering. They do well in sunlight from a south-facing window or bright artificial lights.