The Genus Galphimia
Family: Malphigiaceae
The most common species in the trade is Goldshower (Galphimia gracilis), which is a deciduous shrub to about 5’ tall and wide. Golden flowers in warm weather.
Most species appreciate orning sun, afternoon shade, or all day shade. Plants can take full sun if watered regularly and reflective heat is avoided. Moderate to regular water. Somewhat frost tender, though root hardy to about 20°F, best if planted in a protected location.
The plant's fruits contain high vitamin C. In Mexican folk medicine, a tea is infused from the plant's leaves to relieve chest pain, soothe anxiety and as well as to treat diarrhea, asthma, malaria, rhinitis, hayfever, dysentery and gastroenteritis. It is also used as an antihistamine, an anticonvulsant, an anti-allergic medication and a sedative, because it contains a variety of therapeutic compounds, including quercetin, phenolics, triterpenoids, and flavonoids.
There are a total of 27 species of Galphimia. Twenty-two species occur in Mexico, one (G. angustifolia) extending into Texas and one (G. speciosa) ranging to Nicaragua; four species (G. amambayensis, G. australis, G. brasiliensis, G. platyphylla) occur in South America, south of the Amazon Basin. In horticultural publications, in the nursery trade, and on websites, this species is commonly but mistakenly referred to as Galphimia glauca, Galphimia brasiliensis, Thryallis glauca, Thryallis gracilis, or often in South America, Thryallis brasiliensis.
The flowers attract many pollinators. Probably a larval host for the White-patched Skipper (Chiothion georgina) and the Funereal Duskywing (Erynnis funeralis) which utilize plants in the Malphigiaceae.
The genus, Galphimia, is an anagram of Malpighia.
The typical shape of Goldshower (Galphimia gracilis) in cultivation, photo by castropagani on iNaturalist
Galphimia glauca has much larger flower spikes than G. gracilis. Photo by Opuntia Cadereytensis on iNaturalist
Narrowleaf Goldshower (Galphimia angustifolia) is the species that makes it into the United States (in Texas). It has a very different nature, growing more like an herbaceous perennial. Photo by Robby Deans, iNaturalist