Streptocarpus rhodesianus is a species that has two subspecies based on morphological differences and on geographic distribution as the ranges of the two subspecies do not overlap.
Streptocarpus rhodesianus ssp. rhodesianus occurs in Zambia, the Katanga Province of the Congo and eastern Moxico Province of Angola. Its grows in the shelter of outcrops on moss and lichen covered rocks and on mountainsides. Its rosette of leaves (up to 200 x 190 mm, mostly smaller) has a flannely, greyish green appearance and the plant appears to have good drought resistance if gauged by the glandular hairs found on its leaves, stems and flowers. These hairs allow the capture of moisture from mists and clouds. The flowers are small (7-10 mm long), dull purple to wine red with the inside of the corolla lobes white with wine red blotches and two rows of hairs on the lower corolla tube. The hairiness reminds one of the Angolan species, Streptocarpus huamboensis which also has hairs all over the plant.
Streptocarpus rhodesianus ssp. grandiflorus is described in the Flora of East Africa from southern Tanzania where it also occurs on rocky outcrops. It is described as having larger white flowers, but few details or pictures are available.
