The African violet family is a medium sized family of flowering plants, with more than 3,700 species in 150 genera. Gesneriaceae are mainly distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. China is one of the diversity centers for this family, with about 805 species in 45 genera, and nearly 3/4 of the native species are endemic to China. Most plants are shade-loving perennial herbs with beautiful flowers, and they grow mainly on humid limestone rock cliffs, often intermingled with bryophytes and Begonia . They can be used as flower beds and in borders. Some gesneriads can also be used as medicine. The main conservation venues are the shady greenhouse and the display greenhouse at the Conservation Center and Gesneriad Garden, with more than 20 genera and 400 species from China, (including 3 species of protected plants, 200 rare and endangered species and more than 100 medicinal plants), more than 700 cultivars and more than 100 artificial hybrids. There is a small display area for gesneriads in the Shade Garden. A new Gesneriad Garden is under design and will be located in the valley opposite to the Buddhist Pine Garden, which is at the leading level in China.