**Scientific Name** Streptocarpus ionantha (twisted fruit with violet flower) **Common Name** African Violet, Saintpaulia, Kenya Violet, Usambra Violet, Cape Primrose **Origin** Native to Eastern and Southwestern Tanzania **Description** Despite the name, the African Violet is not a violet- but it will produce flowers in a rainbow of colours! Choose this plant for a bright, contrasting display with lush green foliage and bright blooms. Flowering in late spring will be more likely if your Streptocarpus has had a nice winter rest, or dormancy period, with lower temperatures and less water. Deadheading the spent flowers can encourage longer bloom times, too, and even when the plant is not flowering you'll have its gorgeous broad green leaves to admire, which will keep growing, albeit more slowly, while the plant is dormant. **Light** In Spring and Summer, provide bright but indiret light; to help with its dormancy in autumn and winter, add a couple of hours of direct sunlight per day. **W