Each of several plants formerly placed in a small genus Adelaster but now placed in the genus Fittonia (family Acanthaceae), comprising small South American plants sold elsewhere as indoor pot plants for their foliage. Also (in form Adelaster): the former genus itself.
((n.) A provisional name for a plant which has not had its
flowers botanically examined, and therefore has not been referred to
its proper genus.)
Origin:
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Magazine Horticulture. From scientific Latin Adelaster, genus name from ancient Greek ἄδηλος not evident, unseen + ἀστέρ-, ἀστήρ star.
