Commemorating Johannes Wigand (1523–87), Bishop of Pomerania and botanical author.

Perennial herbs, subshrubs or small trees. Leaves large, simple, toothed, sometimes with stinging hairs when young. Flower clusters terminal, coiled, sometimes several together forming a branched cluster. Calyx lobes narrow. Fruit a 2-chambered capsule containing numerous seeds.

Grown as W. caracasana for the bold foliage and violet flowers, mostly in subtropical-style 19th century borders. Now largely confined to older parks and gardens.

Seed or softwood cuttings.

Shrub with large, bold leaves and violet flowers.

2-3 species from tropical America.

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Hydrophyllaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.