Are African violets actually violets?

Are African violets actually violets?

For many of us, African violets (Saintpaulia spp.) are some of the first houseplants we learned how to grow. They are not true violets (Violaceae), of course, but rather members of the family Gesneriaceae.

Why are African violets called African violets?

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).

What is special about African violets?

Trailing African violets are perhaps the easiest to grow and bloom, especially for the novice. They are naturally branching, spreading, plants that can left to do their 'own thing'. No need to remove suckers to keep symmetry or encourage blooming.

What is the natural habitat of African violets?

Several species of African violets are classed as threatened and even endangered plants. 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 the canopy level.

How many years do African violets 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. This article will help with that.

What is the rarest African Violet?

H wrote it down for me: Saintpaulia pusilla. That's right. The flower that I had seen in the rare Udzungwa Mountains of Africa (according to Mr. H) is the rare, and perhaps “extinct” species of African violet, Saintpaulia pusilla.

What is the rarest African violet?

H wrote it down for me: Saintpaulia pusilla. That's right. The flower that I had seen in the rare Udzungwa Mountains of Africa (according to Mr. H) is the rare, and perhaps “extinct” species of African violet, Saintpaulia pusilla.