Streptocarpus aylae is another recently discovered Streptocarpus species from the Pondoland coastal area of eastern South Africa. Trevor Edwards discovered this narrow endemic in 2004 in a small tributary of the Msikaba River, whilst on a late afternoon stroll with his two-year old daughter, Ayla, after whom the species is named.

He discovered one small population, now referred to as Population 1. In 2012 a second population was discovered 5 km away in the deep main Msikaba River Gorge during a canoeing expedition into the otherwise totally inaccessible gorge. The flowers of Population 2 differ significantly as can be seen from the pictures that follow. Population 2 is the form shown in the feature photo above, and its strong bluish-purple is especially attractive.

The species is striking, relatively compact, and may be of significant horticultural potential. It is assigned to the Rexii group within Section Streptocarpus. The majority of Streptocarpus species and hybrids in cultivation fall within this group, so S. aylae could be a valuable contributor to the gene pool of Streptocarpus hybrids, as well as a worthy subject in its own right.

• A close view of the flowers of Population 2 of the species, on the plant shown in the feature photo above
• A close view of the paler, but still striking, flowers on Population 1