Download About Streptocarpus Plants

About Streptocarpus Plants
Streptocarpus are a member of the family Gesneriaceae. They are in a family of over 100
genera....with more than 2000 species. There are a few that are hardy and semi-hardy but most
are tropical. The Family is characterized by having a zygomorphic flower (symmetrical by only
one plane bilaterally).
There are however a few exceptions to the rule in a few cultivated gesneriads, where the flowers
have become peloric or tubular with the 5 equal "lips".
The Family was named after Konrad Gesner a Swiss scholar who lived before these plants were
even discovered.
Streptocarpus is one of eight genera of gesneriads found in Africa.
Streptocarpus are divided into two main subgenus. Streptocarpella (stemmed) and Streptocarpus
(Rosulate, Unifoliate, Plurifoliate).
The name Streptocarpus come from the greek words (streptos = twisted, carpus = fruit) referring
to the fact that a streptocarpus seed pod forms in a spiral. You can actually see this happen if
closely watching a seedpod form. It then splits along this line to spread its seed.
The basic structure of the Stereptocarpus is called phyllomorph. When the seed geminates it has
a set of or two cotyledons, or seed leaves, and a taproot. As the plant matures only one of these
cotyledons continue to grow and become the leaf while the other withers away. The plant then
forms fibrous roots and the tap root withers away as well. There fore you get a small plant
consisting of a petiole (leaf stalk) and lamina (leaf blade).