Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Lamiales
Species:
ionantha
ID:
497909

Status:
valid

Authors:
H.Wendl.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1893

Citation Micro:
Gartenflora 42: 321 (1893)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000497241



Common Names

  • Ionantha Saintpaulia
  • African Violet
  • Wandering Jew


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Synonyms

  • Petrocosmea ionantha (H.Wendl.) Rodigas [unknown]
  • Saintpaulia ionantha ionantha [unknown]

Description

Saintpaulia ionantha (also called African Violet, among many other common names) is a perennial herbaceous plant with thick, fleshy leaves and purple flowers. It is native to Tanzania and is found in moist, shady habitats.

Uses & Benefits

Saintpaulia ionantha is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used for its air-purifying properties.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Saintpaulia ionantha is a small, white, star-shaped flower with five petals. The seed is a small, round, black seed. The seedlings are thin, green, and have a single, long, thin leaf.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Saintpaulia ionantha is a perennial, evergreen herbaceous plant. It is propagated by division or by seed. The seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil and kept moist. Division should be done in the spring or early summer.

Where to Find Saintpaulia ionantha

Saintpaulia ionantha is native to Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa.

Saintpaulia ionantha FAQ

What are the common names of Saintpaulia ionantha?

Saintpaulia ionantha is commonly known as African violet.

What are the growth requirements of Saintpaulia ionantha?

Saintpaulia ionantha prefers partial shade and well-drained soil.

What is the flowering season of Saintpaulia ionantha?

Saintpaulia ionantha typically flowers in late spring and early summer.

Species in the Saintpaulia genus

Species in the Gesneriaceae family

Acanthonema diandrum, Achimenes admirabilis, Achimenes antirrhina, Achimenes brevifolia, Achimenes candida, Achimenes cettoana, Achimenes dulcis, Achimenes erecta, Achimenes fimbriata, Achimenes flava, Achimenes glabrata, Achimenes grandiflora, Achimenes heterophylla, Achimenes hintoniana, Achimenes longiflora, Achimenes mexicana, Achimenes misera, Achimenes nayaritensis, Achimenes obscura, Achimenes occidentalis, Achimenes patens, Achimenes pedunculata, Achimenes skinneri, Achimenes woodii, Achimenes tincticoma, Achimenes elota, Achimenes sanguinea, Achimenes ixtapaensis, Aeschynanthus citrinus, Aeschynanthus membranifolius, Aeschynanthus mendumiae, Aeschynanthus sojolianus, Aeschynanthus dischidioides, Aeschynanthus minutifolius, Aeschynanthus acuminatissimus, Aeschynanthus acuminatus, Aeschynanthus albidus, Aeschynanthus amboinensis, Aeschynanthus amoenus, Aeschynanthus andersonii, Aeschynanthus angustifolius, Aeschynanthus angustioblongus, Aeschynanthus apicidens, Aeschynanthus arctocalyx, Aeschynanthus arfakensis, Aeschynanthus argentii, Aeschynanthus asclepioides, Aeschynanthus atrorubens, Aeschynanthus atrosanguineus, Aeschynanthus batakiorum,