Streptocarpus

( strep - toh - KAR - pus )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly called Cape Primrose, this genus of flowering herbaceous plants are native to Africa. Flowers produced by this genus are five-petaled and almost orchid-like in appearance. These plants enjoy growing in rock crevices, on shaded and rocky hillsides and on the ground. These plants are commonly cultivated as ornamental outdoor and indoor plants.

Streptocarpus Species and Varietals

The genus Streptocarpus includes 155 species, and is a member of the plant family Gesneriaceae. The genus is divided into two subgenera: Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose) and Streptocarpella (Nodding Violet). To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Streptocarpus glandulosissimus (Cape Primrose)
This species is a member of the subgenus Streptocarpus and is native to Africa. Flowers bloom in an attractive shade of blue-purple. The plants are considered shrubby herbs, and have a somewhat erect habit. Flowers are borne along stems, and leaves are green.

Streptocarpus rexii (Cape Primrose)
This species produces a basal rosette of wrinkly green leaves from which thin brown flower stalks appear, supporting tubular trumpet-shaped flowers with dark throat markings. This species was the first to be formally described in the genus. Flowers are showy, and led to the plant being highly hybridized in the following years. These plants are ideal for hanging baskets and are commonly grown as greenhouse or indoor plants.

Streptocarpus saxorum (False African Violet)
This plant forms a basal rosette of green leaves, and produces flowers year-round. It is native to Kenya and Tanzania, and is an evergreen perennial plant commonly grown indoors or as a greenhouse specimen.