Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Gesnariaceae
Botanical Name
Saintpaulia
Plant Common Name
African Violet
General Description
The genus Saintpaulia comprises approximately 20 species, all of which hail from cloud forests in the Usambara Mountain region of eastern Africa. Colonies of Saintpaulia species were originally discovered by Baron Walter von Saint Paul Illaire, a German officer with a fondness for botany that was stationed in eastern Africa during the time of German rule in the late 19th century. He sent samples of the species back to his father, a long time patron of the botanical gardens in Hanover, Germany. It was the director of the Hanover gardens, Herman Wendland, who recognized the plants as new and unknown. He later named the genus Saintpaulia in honor of the father-son team who discovered it.
These evergreen, tender perennials form low-growing rosettes of thick, fleshy, oval to rounded leaves, which are held at the ends of long petioles (leaf stems), and covered with fine hairs. Some species are epiphytic (tree-growing), while others may grow among stones at the edges of streams. Appearing either singly or in loose clusters, their five-lobed, blue to purple flowers do indeed resemble those of violets, giving rise to the common name, African violet.
African violets have long been popular houseplants, and are generally grown for their showy, single or double flowers in various shades and combinations of blue, purple, pink or white, which bloom in cycles throughout the year. Thousands of registered cultivars exist, most of which are derived from the species Saintpaulia ionantha. Recently, other species have been incorporated into some breeding programs, bringing more diversity in plant form and bloom color to this beloved group of cultivated plants.
Despite their reputation for being difficult to grow, African violets are somewhat adaptable to varying climates. Because their native habitat is in forests near the equator where there is little variation in day length, they require long periods of bright, indirect light in order to bloom well. High humidity is preferred, but many people find they grow reasonably well in average indoor environments. Plant them in light, moisture-retentive soil which is kept evenly moist but not wet. Water carefully, making sure that none comes into contact with the leaves, as cold water can cause unsightly spots. Feed African violets regularly throughout the year to promote vigorous growth and plentiful flowers.
