African violet, (genus Saintpaulia), genus of six species of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae native to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa. African violets are common houseplants, especially Saintpaulia ionantha, and can thrive in low light conditions and bloom throughout the year.
Did African violets originate in Africa?
The African Violet, of the genus Saintpaulia, originates in eastern tropical Africa, in Tanzania and Kenya. While the genus Saintpaulia once boasted 60 species, later work determined this was a result of poor differentiation and the number was reduced to six, with many different sub-species.
Do violets grow in Africa?
Once found only in the coastal woods of east Africa, African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are now among the most popular indoor plants. They are easy to grow and offer a wealth of beautiful flowers.
Where are streptocarpus native to?
Streptocarpus (“twisted fruit” from Greek στρεπτός (streptos) “twisted” and καρπός (carpos) “fruit”) is an Afrotropical genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae. The genus is native to Afromontane biotopes from central, eastern and southern Africa, including Madagascar and the Comoro Islands.
What is the natural habitat of African violets?
The native habitat of this species, in the Tanga region of Tanzania in Africa, gives clues to its culture. The original species, introduced in 1893, was found growing there on mossy rocks and moist rock crevices in varying amounts of shade. This area is near the equator, and near sea level.
Do African violets exist in the wild?
There they were, finally: wild African violets, lovely examples of the ancestors of one of the world’s most popular houseplants. They grow naturally only in the coastal mountains and forests of East Africa, and I’d come a long way to see them. ”They aren’t in bloom all the time,” my guide, Abduel, was saying.
What is the origin of the African violet?
As their name suggests, African violets are native to East Africa, stemming from the tropical rainforests of Tanzania and Kenya. In 1892, German colonial officer Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire identified these plants and sent seeds back to Germany.
Where do violets grow wild?
Habitat. Wild violets are native to many areas throughout (central and eastern) Canada and the US. Although they are located in Europe, they are not as common as they are in Canada and the US. There are wild violets in Australia as well.
Where is African violet produced?
African violets are hairy herbs from the Gesneriaceae plant family discovered in Tanga, East Africa, growing at elevations of 100 feet or higher. Leaves usually grow in a rosette pattern.
What do African violets symbolize?
They’re a Symbol of Devotion
Whatever the cause, African violet symbolism is devotion, commitment, and faithfulness. The gift that keeps on growing: African violets make a thoughtful, loving present on Mother’s day, special anniversaries, and any milestone event.
Who discovered the African violet?
The fleshy, hairy leaves are to 6 inches long and have the ability to produce plantlets from the leaves, the most common means of propagation. The African violet was discovered in 1892 by Baron Walter Von Saint Paul about an hour from Tanga on the modern day border of Tanzania and Kenya.
How long does an African violet plant live?
Repotting these blooms is so important due to their long lifespan. “Remember that African violets have a very long lifespan and have been said to last up to 50 years,” says Ryan McEnaney, public relations and communications specialist for Bailey Nurseries.
Do African violets get bugs?
Mealybugs: Several kinds of mealybugs are pests on African violets. They include the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) and the Comstock mealybug (Pseudococcus comstocki). Mealybugs are about ¼ inch in length. They have soft bodies and are covered with a white waxy material that makes them look cottony.
Are all violets African?
True violets are different from African violets, which are natives of east Africa. Our native violets are indigenous to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere and may bloom from spring well into summer, depending upon the species. There are around 400 types of violet plants in the genus Viola.
What is the secret to growing African violets?
African violets will thrive in bright, warm and humid conditions. Keep water from touching their leaves or it will leave brown spots. Remove dead flowers and leaves as soon as you see them to encourage a healthier plant. Regularly check the soil and plant to make sure there is no accumulation of dead leaves.
How do African violets reproduce naturally?
African violets (Saintpaulias) are propagated from seed or, more frequently, from cuttings.
References:
- https://www.serenataflowers.com/pollennation/flower-history-origin/
- https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C660&title=Growing%20African%20Violets
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streptocarpus
- https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/afrviolets.html
- https://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/03/travel/where-the-wild-african-violets-are.html
- https://www.almanac.com/plant/african-violets
- https://www.ediblewildfood.com/wild-violet.aspx
- https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/foliage/folnotes/africanv.htm
- https://africanvioletresourcecenter.com/7-little-known-facts-about-african-violet-flowers/
- https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/african-violet.aspx
- https://www.marthastewart.com/271934/repotting-african-violets
- https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/african-violet-diseases-insect-pests/
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/violet/types-of-violets.htm
- https://www.thespruce.com/grow-african-violets-indoors-1902733
- https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/propagation-african-violet