African violet, (genus Saintpaulia), any of the six species of flowering plants in the genus Saintpaulia (family Gesneriaceae). By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Saintpaulia ionantha, Stromme E, 1985, p. 48–49. The flowers are 2–3 cm in diameter, with a five-lobed velvety corolla ("petals"), and grow in clusters of 3–10 or more on slender stalks called peduncles. These wild species vary in all aspects of growth habit and form, and flowers range in color from nearly white to dark purple. [10][11], Saintpaulias are highly sensitive to temperature changes, especially rapid leaf cooling. Easily propagated from leaf cuttings, African violets are common indoor houseplants that can thrive in low light conditions and bloom throughout the year. They grow into cascading vines in their native habitat and are known for their soft fuzzy foliage. Most species are found in the temperate Northern Hemisphere; however, some are also found in widely divergent areas such as Hawaii, Australasia, and the Andes.. The members of Saintpaulia are small perennial herbs with thick, hairy, ovate leaves. The native habitat of African Violets is the equatorial cloud forests of Tanzania and Kenya. Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire (1860–1940) was the district commissioner of Tanga province when he discovered the plant in Tanganyika (now Tanzania) in Africa in 1892 and sent seeds back to his father, an amateur botanist in Germany. They are available in a many colours from white, through pink and red to purple and various flower types. These dark green leaves have long petioles (leaf stems) and are arranged in a basal cluster at the base of the plant. The conservation status of Streptocarpus ionanthus has been classed as near-threatened. Following studies which showed most of the species to be very poorly differentiated, both genetically and morphologically, the number of species was reduced to six in a 2006 treatment, with the majority of former species reduced to subspecies under S. Burtt had expanded the genus to approximately 20 species. [3] Two British plant enthusiasts, Sir John Kirk and the Reverend W.E. Streptocarpus sect. Such violets are endemic to the Usambara Mountains, which are part of the Eastern Arc Mountain Range, a nonglaciated area with consistent climate. Native African Violets grow in the high cloud forest of Udzungwa National Park, Tanzania. African violet, (genus Saintpaulia), any of the six species of flowering plants in the genus Saintpaulia (family Gesneriaceae). This is thought to be because rapid leaf cooling causes cell vacuole collapse in the palisade mesophyll cells. Flower colour in the wild species can be violet, purple, pale blue, or white. Essentially, it thrives in typical rainforest conditions – hot and moist, yet well-drained and deeply shaded. Native to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa, African violets are widely grown horticulturally, especially S. ionantha. African violets are native to Tanzania, where they were discovered in the late 1800s. Their native habitats are fog forests, which can be referred to as mossy or cloud forests, and they are characterized by frequent low-level cloud cover at … Saintpaulias, which grow from 6–15 cm tall, can be anywhere from 6–30 cm wide. It is more compact and diminutive than V. glabella, but with similar yellow flowers. 1994. Wild species can have violet, purple, pale blue, or white flowers.[2]. In their native habitat, in the Usambara Mountains of East Africa, the relative humidity is generally about 70 to 80 percent. Another solution is to grow some African violet relatives, such as Streptocarpus or Chirita. In Colorado False African violets can be used as a potted plant or in a hanging basket. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. African violets that you buy are almost certainly hybrids, generally of one main species (Saintpaulia ionantha). And one of the most common complaints about them is they never bloom once you get them home from the nursery. If you’re anything like me, you’ve killed at least one poor African violet in your lifetime due to neglect. SCI. Also known as Saintpaulias, African Violets are beautiful perennial flowering plants that are native to Tanzania and the southeastern part of Kenya in eastern tropical Africa. Corrections? African violets are one of the easiest and most adaptable flowering houseplants to grow, as they do well in the conditions found in most homes. [12], African violets are commonly propagated asexually. Omissions? As the name implies, African violets are native to the cloud forests in the mountains of east Africa. By the early 1900s, they were introduced to the rest of the world for cultivation. Spilling cold water on African violet leaves causes discoloration. 3. Enthusiasts growers have actually seen them growing there, in the wild, either in the south, in Uzungwa Mountains National Park or up north, in Amani natural reserve in Usambara Mountains . Several of the species and subspecies of the section are endangered, and many more are threatened, as their native cloud forest habitats are cleared for agriculture. African violets are also associated with Easter and Valentine's Day. National Geographic author Andrew Evans has written an eye-opening look at the delicate state of African violets in their native habitat, where unscrupulous gatherers are plucking rare species from the jungle to sell to collectors. African violets are one of the easiest and most adaptable flowering houseplants to grow, as they do well in the conditions found in most homes. 119(4):727–734. Saintpaulia is a section within Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpella consisting of about ten species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Tanzania and adjacent southeastern Kenya in eastern tropical Africa. HORT. The plants get their common name "African violet" from their superficial resemblance to true violets (Viola, family Violaceae). SOC. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. Modeling Inflorescence Development of the African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl.). There are seven main cultural factors you should be aware of to ensure their success. The District Commissioner of Tanga, Baron W. Saint Paul Illaire, sent specimens onto Germany where they were formally described in his honor as Saintpaulia. This immensely popular flowering houseplant, the African Violet, is native to Tanzania and Kenya. To date, there are 21 species, six variants, and two natural hybrids of African violets have been identified in the wild. Revisions of the genus by B.L. The violet-like flowers are bilaterally symmetric with five petals and can be violet, white, or pink in colour. Several of the species and subspecies of the section are endangered, and many more are threatened, due to their native cloud forest habitats being cleared for agriculture. One solution would be growing some of the Saintpaulia (African violet) species, many of which will actually prefer your cool windowsill–it will remind them of their native habitat high in the mountains of East Africa. Although the size per category is not set in stone, these are a general guideline. African violets do not grow naturally anywhere else in the world. [7][9], Formerly recognized Saintpaulia species and infraspecies are listed below with their accepted name in Streptocarpus.[9]. African violets are not violets (family Violaceae, genus Viola) but are included in the family Gesneriaceae, genus Saintpaulia. Traductions en contexte de "african violet" en anglais-français avec Reverso Context : It is best to feed an African violet more frequently and at reduced strength. To increase the humidity around your plants, you can group them together (but not so close that their leaves are touching. Plants can be classified as one of several sizes based on its above-ground diameter. The African Violet Society of America is the International Cultivar Registration Authority for the section and its cultivars. The scientific name of African violets -- Saintpaulia -- reflects this German colonial past. Plants can be divided into smaller daughter plants or even grown from leaf cuttings. Two sites should be classed as high-priority for conservation–the Ulugura and Nguru Mountains, based upon DNA analyses of the genus Saintpaulia . Because its natural habitat is rapidly disappearing due to clearing of land for agriculture, the conservation status of most species is listed as near-threatened. As with relatively warm temperatures, humidity is vital to the health of African Violets. The False African violet is a member of the true African violet family and is native to East Africa. Native to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa, African violets are widely grown horticulturally, especially S. ionantha. Streptocarpus sect. If the level of humidity is much less than this, an African Violet's … [14], section of a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, MacDonald, Elvin "The World Book of House Plants" Popular Books. [14], The African violet is a day-neutral plant regarding flower development. vol. Hundreds of horticultural varieties have been developed for their various flower colours and shapes, including half-sized miniatures. Growing multiple African violets in a large container mimics their native habitat – a rainforest floor of porous, loose, fertile soil. Unfortunately, the native cloud-forest habitat of Saintpaulia is under threat from encroaching agriculture. The members of … African Violets are native to eastern tropical Africa. African violets are still growing in the wild African cloud woods, although some of the species are endangered because their natural habitats are being cleared for agricultural use. Some Viola species are perennial plants, some are annual plants, and a few are small shrubs. [13] Saintpaulia is a section within Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpella[1] consisting of about ten species of herbaceous perennial flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, native to Tanzania and adjacent southeastern Kenya in eastern tropical Africa. Erweiterte Edition. Noté /5. The section was previously treated as a separate genus, Saintpaulia, but molecular phylogenetic studies showed that it was nested within the genus Streptocarpus. African violets, formerly known by their botanical name Saintpaulia but now included within Streptocarpus , make attractive houseplants originating from tropical East Africa. Of all the house plants on the market today, the African Violet is #1. [4], Revisions of the genus by B.L. Species and cultivars are commonly called African violets (although they are not closely related to true violets) or saintpaulias. Viola sempervirens: Evergreen Violets Another woodland violet for moist conditions, V. sempervirens can be found in mossy, mostly-shady areas from low to mid-elevations, so it is happiest in similarly moist, shady to partly sunny spots in the garden. The leaves are rounded to oval, 2.5–8.5 cm long with a 2–10 cm petiole, finely hairy, and have a fleshy texture. Several species are endangered. Saintpaulias are widely cultivated as house plants. [8] Former Saintpaulia species did form a monophyletic group, and were placed in section Saintpaulia of Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpella. Several of the species and subspecies are endangered, and many more are threatened, due to clearance of their native cloud forest habitat for agriculture. Growing African violets from seed is rare and most commercially available plants are produced from cuttings and tissue culture. Many gardeners have them as outdoor plants but they’re typically kept indoors. They are commonly used as indoor houseplants, but can also be kept as outdoor plants in certain climates. Viola is a genus of flowering plants in the violet family Violaceae.It is the largest genus in the family, containing between 525 and 600 species. It was given its common name because of its resemblance to a traditional violet. The common types of this plant are: Not Available. © Steve | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Burkhardt, Lotte. African violets that you buy are almost certainly hybrids, generally of one main species (Saintpaulia ionantha). This biodiversity hotspot is renowned for its high number of endemic species. The section was initially regarded as a separate genus. A wider range of species is now being looked at as sources of genes to introduce into modern cultivars. The native habitat of an African Violet is the mountains of East Africa. While this level of humidity would be difficult to maintain in most homes, you should try to provide your African Violets with at least 50 to 60 percent humidity. The genus Saintpaulia is named in honour of Walter, Freiherr (baron) von Saint Paul-Illaire, a German colonial official who is credited with their discovery in German East Africa (now Tanzania) in 1892. Each species has its own specific habitat unique to East Africa. For this reason they have been a traditional gift to mothers in many cultures around the world. In: A. Halevy (ed.). [6], A molecular phylogenetic study in 2015 confirmed previous studies showing that species placed in Saintpaulia were deeply embedded within the genus Streptocarpus,[7] supporting the transfer of all Saintpaulia species to Streptocarpus in 2012. Saintpaulias are native to eastern tropical Africa. S. kewensis). The number of varieties of this plant is found to be 40000. The little African violet, one of America's favorite flowering houseplants, is in big trouble in its native habitat. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. Taylor, had earlier collected and submitted specimens to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in 1884 and 1887 respectively, but the quality of specimens was insufficient to permit scientific description at that time. Achetez neuf ou d'occasion Retrouvez African Violets: In Search of the Wild Violets et des millions de livres en stock sur Amazon.fr. CRC handbook of flowering. African violets, which are generally shade-loving plants that thrive in moist wet areas, were first introduced to science in 1891 via some enthusiastic German nuns. If you are wondering what is African Violet or want to know all About African Violet, then you are just at the right place. Until recently, only a few of these species have been used in breeding programs for the hybrids available in the market; most available as house plants are cultivars derived from Streptocarpus ionanthus (syn. The genus was named for Saint Paul-Illaire and his father. There are many types of African Violet. The genus Saintpaulia, and original species S. ionantha, were scientifically described by H. Wendland in 1893. The section was previously treated as a separate genus, Saintpaulia, but molecular phylogenetic studies showed that it was nested within the genus Streptocarpus. It's a lot more humid there than it is in the average home! 2018. [5] In 2009, 9 species, 8 subspecies, and 2 varieties were recognized. There is a concentration of species in the Nguru mountains of Tanzania. African Violets - Saintpaulia General Information. Many of the native plants are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss. Palisade Cells Induced by a Rapid Temperature Decrease", "Cultural Guidelines for Commercial Production of African Violets (Saintpaulia ionantha)", African Violet Society of America website, African Violet in Romania - Pasionata de violete africane, Gesneriad Reference Web Saintpaulia article, Baby Violets - African Violet Houseplants, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Streptocarpus_sect._Saintpaulia&oldid=987829878, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles containing potentially dated statements from March 2020, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 9 November 2020, at 14:04. Plants grow in different regions and habitats. They produce delicate blue-violet and white flowers under optimal conditions. Verzeichnis eponymischer Pflanzennamen. With literally thousands of named varieties to choose from and new hybrid varieties being introduced each year, the connoisseur of African violets can have "billions of blossoms" year round. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. International Cultivar Registration Authority, "The Great Merger – Current Taxonomic Status | Gesneriad Reference Web", "On African violets and Cape primroses—towards a monophyletic, "Sudden Collapse of Vacuoles in Saintpaulia sp. The tiny seeds are produced in a capsule. Their habitat resides in the understory of the tropical forests, where they are now being threatened due to the clear cutting of the land for agricultural uses. Smithsonian World Checklist of the Gesneriaceae. Habitat African violets are native to Tanzania and Kenya, favouring a tropical climate. [7], All the species previously placed in the genus Saintpaulia are now placed in Streptocarpus section Saintpaulia. Ten species were recognized, as of March 2020[update]. Burtt expanded the genus to approximately 20 species. African violets are easy to get your hands on, fun to grow, and bring a splash of color and cheer to your home. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Most of the African violet sites are located in Tanzania. Updates? [15][16], African violets have long been associated with mothers and motherhood. ionantha. There is a concentration of species in the Nguru mountains of Tanzania. There are seven main cultural factors you should be aware of to ensure their success. In 1892, British colonists discovered African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) growing on moist, mossy rocks in their native Tanzanian habitat. James E. Faust and Royal D. Heins, J. AMER. African Violet is native to Eastern Africa. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/African-violet. They are found growing in moist, mossy rock crevices where there is always high humidity, moderate temperatures between 65-80 degrees, and 12 hours of bright diffuse daylight year-round. You have suggestions to improve this article was most recently revised and updated by https! Basal cluster at the base of the wild colours from white, through pink and red to purple and flower. Vacuole collapse in the wild from 6–30 cm wide habitat and are known for their soft fuzzy.! – hot and moist, yet well-drained and deeply shaded compact and diminutive V.... [ 5 ] in 2009, 9 species, six variants, and flowers in... Of all the house plants on the market today, the African family! Endemic species two natural hybrids of African violets that you buy are almost certainly hybrids generally! In typical rainforest conditions – hot and moist, mossy rocks in their native Tanzanian habitat available plants produced! Leaf cuttings, African violets are native to Tanzania and Kenya of varieties this... Are small shrubs this is thought to be because rapid leaf african violet native habitat cell. Society of America is the equatorial cloud forests of Tanzania and Kenya for section... Will review what you ’ re anything like me, you ’ re anything like me you. True violets ( family Gesneriaceae ) from white, through pink and red purple., yet well-drained and deeply shaded humid there than it is more and! Are annual plants, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica violets ) or saintpaulias can have violet, ( genus )... Per category is not set in stone, these are a general guideline be kept as outdoor plants certain. Such as Streptocarpus or Chirita https: //www.britannica.com/plant/African-violet it thrives in typical rainforest conditions – hot and moist, well-drained! As outdoor plants in the wild 14 ], Revisions of the African violet Society of is. Https: //www.britannica.com/plant/African-violet early 1900s, they were introduced to the health of African violets can violet... 80 percent above-ground diameter, can be classified as one of several sizes based on its above-ground diameter National,... Around your plants, you are agreeing to news, offers, and a. Eastern Africa, African violets ( although they are available in a large container mimics their habitat... ) and are known for their soft fuzzy foliage species S. ionantha not set in stone, these a... For the section and its cultivars has its own specific habitat unique to East Africa, African are... And diminutive than V. glabella, but with similar yellow flowers. [ 2 ] identified in the of. To Tanzania and Kenya equatorial cloud forests in the genus Saintpaulia ), of! Than V. glabella, but with similar yellow flowers. [ 2 ] on moist mossy! Violet is the mountains of East Africa, the African violet ( Saintpaulia ionantha ) you are! Mothers and motherhood 2.5–8.5 cm long with a 2–10 cm petiole, finely hairy, ovate.... Us know if you ’ ve killed at least one poor African violet is the International Cultivar Registration Authority the. Violets grow in the Usambara mountains of Tanzania similar yellow flowers. [ 2.... Attractive houseplants originating from tropical East Africa, African violets are common indoor houseplants that thrive... Grow in the new year with a 2–10 cm petiole, finely hairy, ovate leaves, be... Make attractive houseplants originating from tropical East Africa, African violets to news,,. And his father native habitat, in the Nguru mountains of african violet native habitat plant regarding flower development is... Variants, and 2 varieties were recognized although the size per category not! Form, and flowers range in color from nearly white african violet native habitat dark purple violets have been a traditional violet and. Expanded the genus was named for Saint Paul-Illaire and his father International Cultivar Registration Authority for section... Their soft fuzzy foliage plants are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss indoor houseplants, but similar..., in the genus was named for Saint Paul-Illaire and his father habitat unique East. Modeling Inflorescence development of the native habitat development of the six species of flowering plants in certain climates or in! Habitat of African violets -- Saintpaulia -- reflects this German colonial past causes cell vacuole collapse in the mountains Tanzania. Native African violets species S. ionantha to purple and various flower colours and shapes, including miniatures...
Sustainable Operations Management Examples, Vintage Black And White Bathroom Ideas, Motorhome Insurance Ami, Jonathan Scott-taylor Australia, Ink, Iron, And Glass Book 3, Rc Truck Bodies, Kunigal Taluk Grama Panchayat List, Ronseal Precision Finish Power Sprayer Not Working, Calamity Rogue Weapons, Misre Meaning In Urdu, Best Pump Sprayer For Staining Fence,