Genus of about 80 species of evergreen, erect or climbing perennials, annuals, and subshrubs from dry, open areas in South America and Australia. The Iresines are colourful foliage plants. Iresine has remarkable wine red leaves and stems. Iresines are sun-lowers - keep away from a south-facing window the colours tend to fade and growth becomes lank and straggly. Cut out growing tips occasionally to provide bushiness. Iresine herbstii grows about 2 ft high.