African violets are but one small part of the plant family Gesneriaceae. There are over 3000 different species in the family, many of which also make useful and beautiful houseplants. They are also of interest to Club members and feature in our meetings and our shows.
The majority of them are tropical and sub-tropical plants so they fit well into the home environment. In warmer climates in Australia many are suitable for outdoor growing, mostly, but not always in pots or hanging baskets.
Some are familiar:
Aeschynanthus – trailing basket plants sometimes called “Lipstick Plants”
Columnea – heavy blooming trailing plants
Nematanthus – sometimes sold as “Guppy Plants” or “Clog Plants” they thrive in most positions being resilient in heat and a reasonable degree of cold. Grown in hanging baskets they provide year long beauty. Many have shiny leaves and orange or yellow and orange flowers providing strong contrast.
Sinningias – include plants from small rosettes (the smallest being no bigger than 50 mm across) to quite large tuberous plants suitable for garden use in mild climates. Mostly they are upright or rosette in growth. Included in this genus is Sinningia speciosa, hybrids of which are widely known as “Florist’s Gloxinias”.
Streptocarpus – There are two different forms, one of which is a shrubby with stems that make it ideal for hanging baskets (often sold as “Nodding Violet). The other form has long strap-like leaves and a multitude of flowers held on stems held high above the leaves. This type is sometimes referred to as “Cape Primrose”.
Perhaps less well known, although no less beautiful, are Episcias (“Flame Violet” or “Peacock Plant”), Achimenes (“Hot Water Plant”, Kohleria, Smithiantha and so many others.
There are some photographs in our Photo Galleries.
Streptocarpus seedling
Kohleria 'The Baron'
