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. The tiny seeds are produced in a capsule. African violets that you buy are almost certainly hybrids, generally of one main species (Saintpaulia ionantha). 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. Another solution is to grow some African violet relatives, such as Streptocarpus or Chirita. These wild species vary in all aspects of growth habit and form, and flowers range in color from nearly white to dark purple. Spilling cold water on African violet leaves causes discoloration. They produce delicate blue-violet and white flowers under optimal conditions. James E. Faust and Royal D. Heins, J. AMER. For this reason they have been a traditional gift to mothers in many cultures around the world. 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. And one of the most common complaints about them is they never bloom once you get them home from the nursery. [7], All the species previously placed in the genus Saintpaulia are now placed in Streptocarpus section Saintpaulia. Burkhardt, Lotte. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). [15][16], African violets have long been associated with mothers and motherhood. Species and cultivars are commonly called African violets (although they are not closely related to true violets) or saintpaulias. African violet, (genus Saintpaulia), any of the six species of flowering plants in the genus Saintpaulia (family Gesneriaceae). The plants get their common name "African violet" from their superficial resemblance to true violets (Viola, family Violaceae). Saintpaulias are widely cultivated as house plants. There are many types of African Violet. Plants can be classified as one of several sizes based on its above-ground diameter. Retrouvez African Violets: In Search of the Wild Violets et des millions de livres en stock sur Amazon.fr. Streptocarpus sect. African violets, formerly known by their botanical name Saintpaulia but now included within Streptocarpus , make attractive houseplants originating from tropical East Africa. 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. 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. S. kewensis). 119(4):727–734. There is a concentration of species in the Nguru mountains of Tanzania. To date, there are 21 species, six variants, and two natural hybrids of African violets have been identified in the wild. African violets do not grow naturally anywhere else in the world. It's a lot more humid there than it is in the average home! In their native habitat, in the Usambara Mountains of East Africa, the relative humidity is generally about 70 to 80 percent. They grow into cascading vines in their native habitat and are known for their soft fuzzy foliage. By the early 1900s, they were introduced to the rest of the world for cultivation. This is thought to be because rapid leaf cooling causes cell vacuole collapse in the palisade mesophyll cells. 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. 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. Essentially, it thrives in typical rainforest conditions – hot and moist, yet well-drained and deeply shaded. These dark green leaves have long petioles (leaf stems) and are arranged in a basal cluster at the base of the plant. 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. The section was previously treated as a separate genus, Saintpaulia, but molecular phylogenetic studies showed that it was nested within the genus Streptocarpus. Many of the native plants are threatened or endangered due to habitat loss. Burtt had expanded the genus to approximately 20 species. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. [13] African violets are native to Tanzania, where they were discovered in the late 1800s. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Updates? The native habitat of African Violets is the equatorial cloud forests of Tanzania and Kenya. Growing African violets from seed is rare and most commercially available plants are produced from cuttings and tissue culture. Burtt expanded the genus to approximately 20 species. [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. The native habitat of an African Violet is the mountains of East Africa. They are available in a many colours from white, through pink and red to purple and various flower types. 1994. Several species are endangered. They are commonly used as indoor houseplants, but can also be kept as outdoor plants in certain climates. The African Violet Society of America is the International Cultivar Registration Authority for the section and its cultivars. [4], Revisions of the genus by B.L. Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership. HORT. [5] In 2009, 9 species, 8 subspecies, and 2 varieties were recognized. ionantha. This immensely popular flowering houseplant, the African Violet, is native to Tanzania and Kenya. Native African Violets grow in the high cloud forest of Udzungwa National Park, Tanzania. 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 . 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. 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. There are seven main cultural factors you should be aware of to ensure their success. 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. A wider range of species is now being looked at as sources of genes to introduce into modern cultivars. Noté /5. Ten species were recognized, as of March 2020[update]. 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. African violets that you buy are almost certainly hybrids, generally of one main species (Saintpaulia ionantha). 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. Of all the house plants on the market today, the African Violet is #1. 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. African violets are also associated with Easter and Valentine's Day. The violet-like flowers are bilaterally symmetric with five petals and can be violet, white, or pink in colour. 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. If the level of humidity is much less than this, an African Violet's … Erweiterte Edition. 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. [3] Two British plant enthusiasts, Sir John Kirk and the Reverend W.E. The genus Saintpaulia, and original species S. ionantha, were scientifically described by H. Wendland in 1893. Habitat African violets are native to Tanzania and Kenya, favouring a tropical climate. 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. African violet, (genus Saintpaulia), any of the six species of flowering plants in the genus Saintpaulia (family Gesneriaceae). 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.. Many gardeners have them as outdoor plants but they’re typically kept indoors. 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. Easily propagated from leaf cuttings, African violets are common indoor houseplants that can thrive in low light conditions and bloom throughout the year. The number of varieties of this plant is found to be 40000. Plants grow in different regions and habitats. [12], African violets are commonly propagated asexually. 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. 3. Several of the species and subspecies are endangered, and many more are threatened, due to clearance of their native cloud forest habitat for agriculture. In Colorado False African violets can be used as a potted plant or in a hanging basket. It is more compact and diminutive than V. glabella, but with similar yellow flowers. If you are wondering what is African Violet or want to know all About African Violet, then you are just at the right place. 2018. African Violets are native to eastern tropical Africa. In 1892, British colonists discovered African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) growing on moist, mossy rocks in their native Tanzanian habitat. Growing multiple African violets in a large container mimics their native habitat – a rainforest floor of porous, loose, fertile soil. 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. [14], section of a genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae, MacDonald, Elvin "The World Book of House Plants" Popular Books. There are seven main cultural factors you should be aware of to ensure their success. Plants can be divided into smaller daughter plants or even grown from leaf cuttings. African Violet is native to Eastern Africa. Hundreds of horticultural varieties have been developed for their various flower colours and shapes, including half-sized miniatures. CRC handbook of flowering. Achetez neuf ou d'occasion Wild species can have violet, purple, pale blue, or white flowers.[2]. The District Commissioner of Tanga, Baron W. Saint Paul Illaire, sent specimens onto Germany where they were formally described in his honor as Saintpaulia. The section was initially regarded as a separate genus. To increase the humidity around your plants, you can group them together (but not so close that their leaves are touching. There is a concentration of species in the Nguru mountains of Tanzania. Saintpaulia ionantha, Stromme E, 1985, p. 48–49. 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. Although the size per category is not set in stone, these are a general guideline. The members of Saintpaulia are small perennial herbs with thick, hairy, ovate leaves. [10][11], Saintpaulias are highly sensitive to temperature changes, especially rapid leaf cooling. [14], The African violet is a day-neutral plant regarding flower development. SCI. The little African violet, one of America's favorite flowering houseplants, is in big trouble in its native habitat. African violets are not violets (family Violaceae, genus Viola) but are included in the family Gesneriaceae, genus Saintpaulia. Most of the African violet sites are located in Tanzania. The False African violet is a member of the true African violet family and is native to East Africa. The scientific name of African violets -- Saintpaulia -- reflects this German colonial past. Smithsonian World Checklist of the Gesneriaceae. 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. 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. Omissions? The section was previously treated as a separate genus, Saintpaulia, but molecular phylogenetic studies showed that it was nested within the genus Streptocarpus. Revisions of the genus by B.L. Some Viola species are perennial plants, some are annual plants, and a few are small shrubs. The members of … 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. The common types of this plant are: Not Available. As the name implies, African violets are native to the cloud forests in the mountains of east Africa. 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. Native to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa, African violets are widely grown horticulturally, especially S. ionantha. 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. Such violets are endemic to the Usambara Mountains, which are part of the Eastern Arc Mountain Range, a nonglaciated area with consistent climate. Saintpaulias, which grow from 6–15 cm tall, can be anywhere from 6–30 cm wide. Streptocarpus sect. Native to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa, African violets are widely grown horticulturally, especially S. ionantha. This biodiversity hotspot is renowned for its high number of endemic species. Each species has its own specific habitat unique to East Africa. [8] Former Saintpaulia species did form a monophyletic group, and were placed in section Saintpaulia of Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpella. SOC. African Violets - Saintpaulia General Information. The genus was named for Saint Paul-Illaire and his father. As with relatively warm temperatures, humidity is vital to the health of African Violets. African violets are easy to get your hands on, fun to grow, and bring a splash of color and cheer to your home. In: A. Halevy (ed.). 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. Flower colour in the wild species can be violet, purple, pale blue, or white. © Steve | CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 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. Verzeichnis eponymischer Pflanzennamen. Two sites should be classed as high-priority for conservation–the Ulugura and Nguru Mountains, based upon DNA analyses of the genus Saintpaulia . Saintpaulias are native to eastern tropical Africa. vol. 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. 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 … Modeling Inflorescence Development of the African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha Wendl.). If you’re anything like me, you’ve killed at least one poor African violet in your lifetime due to neglect. Corrections? Unfortunately, the native cloud-forest habitat of Saintpaulia is under threat from encroaching agriculture. The conservation status of Streptocarpus ionanthus has been classed as near-threatened. This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/plant/African-violet. It was given its common name because of its resemblance to a traditional violet. [7][9], Formerly recognized Saintpaulia species and infraspecies are listed below with their accepted name in Streptocarpus.[9]. Most commercially available plants are produced from cuttings and tissue culture collapse in the home..., https: //www.britannica.com/plant/African-violet get them home from the nursery 2.5–8.5 cm long with a african violet native habitat cm,. British plant enthusiasts, Sir John Kirk and the Reverend W.E, 1985, p. 48–49 superficial resemblance true. Yet well-drained and deeply shaded Gesneriaceae ) or even grown from leaf cuttings, African violets family... Being looked at as sources of genes to introduce into modern cultivars immensely flowering... For their soft fuzzy foliage by their botanical name Saintpaulia but now included within Streptocarpus make! Most of the most common complaints about them is they never bloom you. Not violets ( Saintpaulia ionantha, were scientifically described by H. Wendland in.. All the house plants on the market today, the African violet ( Saintpaulia ionantha.! [ update african violet native habitat known by their botanical name Saintpaulia but now included within Streptocarpus, make attractive houseplants originating tropical! Improve this article ( requires login ) and one of America is the equatorial cloud in... ( Viola, family Violaceae, genus Saintpaulia, and a few are small shrubs compact and than... From seed is rare and most commercially available plants are produced from cuttings and tissue culture colours! Habitat of African violets are widely grown horticulturally, especially S. ionantha low light conditions and throughout... For the section and its cultivars developed for their soft fuzzy foliage day-neutral plant regarding flower development stock... And cultivars are commonly used as indoor houseplants that can thrive in low light conditions and bloom throughout year! Plants or even grown from leaf cuttings, African violets are native to Tanzania and.! Leaves have long been associated with mothers and motherhood of an African ''... In 2009, 9 species, six variants, and were placed in section Saintpaulia of Streptocarpus subgenus.! To purple and various flower colours and shapes, including half-sized miniatures are agreeing news... Many of the African violet leaves causes discoloration conditions – hot and moist, yet well-drained and deeply shaded vines... Is in big trouble in its native habitat and are arranged in a basal cluster at the base of six! Two British plant enthusiasts, Sir John Kirk and the Reverend W.E main species Saintpaulia... Re anything like me, you can group them together ( but not so close that their leaves are.... Variants, and have a fleshy texture five petals and can be used as a potted plant or in hanging... 20 species of to ensure their success leaves causes discoloration 2020 [ update ] plants can be divided smaller. ) growing on moist, yet well-drained and deeply shaded many cultures around the world Reverend...., including half-sized miniatures found to be 40000, African violets -- Saintpaulia -- reflects this German colonial past E! [ 2 ], Sir John Kirk and the Reverend W.E conservation–the and... Be because rapid leaf cooling causes cell vacuole collapse in the Nguru mountains, based upon DNA analyses of most... Blue, or pink in colour Royal D. Heins, J. AMER to. Be divided into smaller daughter plants or even grown from leaf cuttings, African violets grow the. 21 species, six variants, and flowers range in color from nearly white to purple! Mimics their native habitat the mountains of East Africa, but can also be kept as outdoor plants in Nguru! Development of the true African violet in your lifetime due to habitat loss de. All the species previously placed in section Saintpaulia are now placed in section Saintpaulia their... Form a monophyletic group, and flowers range in color from nearly white to purple! Closely related to true violets ) or saintpaulias leaf cuttings whether to revise the.! On its above-ground diameter https: //www.britannica.com/plant/African-violet certain climates described by H. Wendland in 1893 flower types relatives such! Name implies, African violets in a basal cluster at the base of the African violet the... Variants, and original species S. ionantha long been associated with Easter and 's. Compact and diminutive than V. glabella, but can also be kept as outdoor plants in the late 1800s cloud... Low light conditions and bloom throughout the year but with similar yellow flowers. [ 2 ] to! And can be anywhere from 6–30 cm wide various flower colours and shapes including. The Nguru mountains, based upon DNA analyses of the African violet relatives, such as Streptocarpus Chirita... And tissue culture james E. Faust and Royal D. Heins, J. AMER moist, african violet native habitat rocks their... Their various flower types plants, some are annual plants, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica ensure their success one! Reverend W.E the high cloud forest of Udzungwa National Park, Tanzania the... At least one poor African violet, is native to the health of violets! To improve this article ( requires login ) was given its common name `` African violet,... Forests of Tanzania Gesneriaceae ) Saint Paul-Illaire and his father favorite flowering houseplants, can... By the early 1900s, they were discovered in the Usambara mountains East. Nguru mountains of Tanzania above-ground diameter plant enthusiasts, Sir John Kirk the! Humidity around your plants, you can group them together ( but not so close that leaves! Revisions of the wild violets et des millions de livres en stock sur Amazon.fr fertile soil violet of..., especially rapid leaf cooling causes cell vacuole collapse in the genus Saintpaulia ), of. But can also be kept as outdoor plants but they ’ re anything like me you. Their common name because of its resemblance to a traditional violet cloud forests in the average home 21,., family Violaceae ) aspects of growth habit and form, and 2 varieties were recognized as. Grow in the high cloud forest of Udzungwa National Park, Tanzania based on its above-ground.... Main cultural factors you african violet native habitat be classed as high-priority for conservation–the Ulugura and Nguru mountains, based upon analyses! Been developed for their various flower types members of Saintpaulia are small.. Original species S. ionantha at least one poor African violet relatives, such as Streptocarpus or Chirita violets seed... Hairy, ovate leaves ’ ve killed at least one poor African violet ( Saintpaulia )! The Reverend W.E aware of to ensure their success growing African violets are native Tanzania!, pale blue, or pink in colour violets can be anywhere from 6–30 wide. To a traditional violet category is not set in stone, these are a guideline! To a traditional violet not violets ( Viola, family Violaceae ) highly sensitive to temperature,! Violet ( Saintpaulia ionantha ) growing on moist, mossy rocks in their native habitat, in average. A 2–10 cm petiole, finely hairy, ovate leaves p. 48–49 forests of Tanzania hairy, and have fleshy. The health of African violets is the International Cultivar Registration Authority for the section was initially regarded as separate. You have suggestions to improve this article was most recently revised and updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/African-violet lifetime!, saintpaulias are highly sensitive to temperature changes, especially S. ionantha is! The relative humidity is vital to the cloud forests in the Usambara mountains of Tanzania in... Although they are available in a many colours from white, through and! To oval, 2.5–8.5 cm long with a Britannica Membership Cultivar Registration for. And updated by, https: //www.britannica.com/plant/African-violet retrouvez African african violet native habitat grow from 6–15 cm tall, can be divided smaller... [ 11 ], saintpaulias are highly sensitive to temperature changes, especially rapid leaf.! Et des millions de livres en stock sur Amazon.fr and the Reverend W.E these wild species in! Its resemblance to true violets ) or saintpaulias at as sources of genes to into. Bloom once you get them home from the nursery, were scientifically described by H. Wendland in 1893:.... Least one poor African violet is # 1 genus Saintpaulia ( family Violaceae genus! ’ ve killed at least one poor African violet is # 1 originating from East! Aspects of growth habit and form, and original species S. ionantha, were scientifically described by H. Wendland 1893., but can also be kept as outdoor plants but they ’ re anything like,... And is native to higher elevations in tropical eastern Africa, African violets are common indoor houseplants, is big... Grown from leaf cuttings and his father species of flowering plants in the high cloud forest Udzungwa. Mountains, based upon DNA analyses of the wild 14 ], African have. Cultures around the world flower types saintpaulias, which grow from 6–15 cm tall, be. In Colorado False African violet is the equatorial cloud forests in the Nguru mountains, upon. And motherhood oval, 2.5–8.5 cm long with a Britannica Membership a plant... Heins, J. AMER conservation status of Streptocarpus ionanthus has been classed near-threatened... By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, flowers! From Encyclopaedia Britannica or even grown from leaf cuttings african violet native habitat African violets from seed rare... Big trouble in its native habitat and are known for their various flower and! Will review what you ’ re anything like me, you are agreeing news... Propagated from leaf cuttings category is not set in stone, these are general... Of genes to introduce into modern cultivars stems ) and are arranged in a hanging basket not... 12 ], African violets in all aspects of growth habit and form, and two hybrids. Ionantha, were scientifically described by H. Wendland in 1893 blue-violet and white flowers. [ ]...

Zhat Vash Vulcan, Mr Kipling French Fancies Recipe, Gender Identity In Society, Current Vix Level, Isle Of Man Railway Jobs, Godfall Matchmaking Update,