What is the scientific name of genus and species African violet?
SaintpauliaAfrican violets / Scientific name
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.
Are African violets endangered?
Not extinctAfrican violets / Extinction status
What plants are in African violet family?
GesneriaceaeAfrican violets / FamilyGesneriaceae, the gesneriad family, is a family of flowering plants consisting of about 152 genera and ca. 3,540 species in the tropics and subtropics of the Old World and the New World, with a very small number extending to temperate areas. Wikipedia
What kind of fertilizer do African violets need?
About African Violet Fertilizer The recommended ratio for African violets is 14-12-14. There are commercial formulas available specifically for fertilizing African violets, but many of these use urea as the nitrogen source. In certain conditions, urea can burn the plant’s roots.
Why are African violets called that?
Wild species can have violet, purple, pale blue, or white flowers. The plants get their common name “African violet” from their superficial resemblance to true violets (Viola, family Violaceae).
How do I identify African violets?
African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha.) Leaves can be oval to heart-shaped with smooth or ruffled margins. Flowers are borne in single or double clusters, can have five or more petals, may be ruffled around the edges of the petals, and come in different shades and color combinations.
What is special about African violets?
African violets are perhaps the most popular flowering houseplants grown in the world today. There are many reasons for this: The plants generally flower the year round, giving an almost continuous display of blooms. They require the same temperatures humans find comfortable, making them easy to raise in our homes.
Where do African violets live?
African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha) are native to rainforests in the mountains of eastern African countries like Tanzania. They are low-growing plants, thriving in the shade of other vegetation. In their native environments, direct light never touches their leaves.
How long does an African violet plant live?
50 years
African violets can live a long time, as long as 50 years! To get them there, you need to provide good care which includes repotting African violets. The trick is knowing when to repot an African violet and what soil and container size to use.
Is a violet a succulent?
African Violet Characteristics African violets are native to high-elevation tropical rainforests in Tanzania. Other than the blooms, the most distinguishing characteristic of African violets is their fuzzy, succulent foliage. The fine hairs on the leaves are an adaptation to help the plant absorb water from the air.
Do African violets need to be watered from the bottom?
Should I water African violets from the top or bottom? Either is fine. It is important not to use cold water; lukewarm or warm is preferred. If you water from the top, be careful not to get water on the leaves when the plant is in the sun; this is to avoid leaf spots.
Where is Saintpaulia native to?
Saintpaulia is a member of the Gesneriaceae family and contains approx. 6 members, native to Africa (e. g. Kenya, Tanzania). Because of their similarity with the true Violets (Viola) they are commonly known as African Violets.
How do you plant Saintpaulia ionantha?
Lighting: Saintpaulia ionantha grows best if located on a bright place the year round. Some morning, evening or winter sun will be fine. During the warm summer months it shouldn’t be placed directly behind the window. A light shaded place is also welcome.
When was didymocarpoid Gesneriaceae discovered?
Walter (1860-1910) discovered the plant in 1892 in the Usambara mountains (now Tanzania). Infrafamilial position: Didymocarpoid Gesneriaceae – “African and Madagascan genera” (Weber 2004). Description: Perennial herbs with rosette or procumbent-caulescent habit.