The African Violet
THE African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is a dwarf shrub; a low, compact and ground-hugging plant with attractive dark green leaves and purple violet-like flowers borne in small panicles above the foliage.
Documented sources disclose that it is native to Tanzania, East Africa and adjacent southeastern Kenya, with a concentration of species in the Nguru Mountains of Tanzania.
The plant acquired its common name of African Violet from a superficial resemblance to true violets, though this plant is from a different family.
The plant is also described as a prostrate shrub due to its low height. It received its genus name, Saintpaulia after Baron Walter von Saint Paul (1860-1910), who discovered it growing wild in 1892 in Tanganyika (now Tanzania).
Two British plant enthusiasts, Sir John Kirk and Reverend W.E. Taylor, had earlier collected and submitted specimens to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in 1884 and 1887 respectively, but the quality of specimens was insufficient to permit scientific description at that time.
The genus Saintpaulia, and original species S. ionantha, were scientifically described by J. C. Wendland in 1893.
Saintpaulias grow from six to15cm tall, and can be anywhere from six to 30cm wide.
The leaves are rounded to oval, 2.5 to 8.5cm long, with a fleshy texture. The flowers are 2–3cm in diameter, with a five-lobed velvety corolla (petals), and grow in clusters of three to 10 or more on slender stalks. Flower colour is mainly purple.
Many people adore the African Violet as an indoor plant, even though it can be grown outdoors. The plant has been described as an easygoing house guest because it does not need direct sunlight; just a pot and a windowsill on which it can grow, spread, and add colour to the indoor environment.
Plants kept in good condition flower almost continuously. New African Violet plants can be produced from existing plants.
The African Violet is being cultivated locally by the proprietors of Flower Paradise, on  Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara (Tel# 233-3029), and is available for sale there.