Secret Stories of the Houseplants: African Violets
You’ve heard me say it before, and I’ll say it again—our houseplants are someone else’s wildflowers! Even though African Violets are some of the most popular and well-known plants, in the wild they are extremely rare. Read on to learn all about their interesting history and folklore. I bet you’ll never look at this common houseplant in quite the same way again!
What’s in a Name?
First off, let me let you in on a little secret—despite the name—these plants have no relationship to violets at all. In fact, African violets have their very own genus, Santpaulia. They were named after Walter Von Saint-Paul who was the first to document them Eastern Africa in 1892. Saint-Paul knew he had found something special and send some of the seeds he had gathered back to his father in Germany. Saint-Paul Senior successfully grew them out, but never having seen anything like them, compared them to violets. The name stuck and here we are.
African Violets, were introduced to the US in 1927 and their popularity grew almost immediately. People began breeding them with great success and by 1949 there were over 100 varieties. Today there are over 32, 000 domestic varieties and the numbers keep growing every year thanks to enthusiasts!
Saintpaulia are indigenous to the Eastern African region of Kenya and Tanzania, more specifically the Udzungwa mountains. Despite being able to find African Violets in any given plant nursery or grocery store here in the US, they are extremely rare in the wild.
The Udaungwa region is exceptionally unique and is often refered to as the “Galapagos of Africa”. There are some species of flora and fauna that don’t exist any other place on earth! The mountainous region is particularly humid and features many waterfalls, which is prime habitat for African Violets, who love the high humidity and can be found clinging to the sides of the waterfalls. Unfortunately, due to widespread poaching and development, Saintpaulia are now very rare. In fact, there are some species of Saintpaulia can only be found in a single forest or even on a single mountain.
Unfortunately, there are some species, like S. pusilla that are considered extinct. (However, there are rumors that a few, very small, very secret populations of pusilla still do exist.) Fingers crossed on that one. (Note: scientists often keep information about very rare species a secret in order to protect them from poachers and tourists alike)
The good news is that conservation efforts are in place for Saintpaulia. The Udzungwa National Park area was established as a national park back in 1992, so the wild African violets growing in that region are protected. That said, you and I both know, nonprofits are always in need, so if you’re interested in helping, the African Rainforest Conservancy and the East African Wildlife Foundation are two great organizations to support.
Folkore
There is some folkore associated with African violets. They are considered a symbol of loyalty, strength, courage and devotion. They are also considered good luck and are thought to bring wealth and health to the home.
The flowers are a source of protection, so placing some of the flowers under your pillow will protect you from nightmares and wandering ghost, and carrying them in a sachet is thought to act as a charm against hexes and witchcraft.
Have you Hugged Your Houseplant Today?
Doesn’t this all give you a new found appreciation for your African Violets? They’ve have always been one of my favorites. I was given a purple one when I was very young, and I remember caring for it and loving it deeply—and my affection for these special wildflowers has been growing ever since. Do you have any African Violets at home? I’d love to hear some of your African Violet stories! Please feel free to share in the comments below!
