The genus Streptocarpus has a lot to offer both the avid horticulturalist and botanist. The floral and growth-form diversity in the genus (including former Saintpaulia) almost matches the diversity seen in the whole family Gesneriaceae. This diversity fascinates botanists and can be exploited by the hybridizer to breed incredibly beautiful cultivars although many of the species are also exceptionally beautiful in their own right. The rosulate and herbaceous growth forms open an even broader avenue of plants to grow for the hobbyist.
The genus has a large geographical distribution over the African continent from the central and western tropics, where it often grows in high altitude cooler regions to almost the southernmost tip of Africa which is a lot more temperate. Some even grow in areas in which there is frost, so they are more tolerant of lower temperatures than most tropical Gesneriaceae. The fact that they grow in more temperate climates means that they tolerate normal house temperatures, lower humidity and even drought making them absolutely ideal house plants. They also grow year round without a dormant period and can display flowers almost without interruption. No wonder that the genus Streptocarpus remains the most popular of all in the family!