Streptocarpus variabilis occurs over a large area in the north-east of Madagascar, but was also reported to occur on Anjouan Island, in the Comoro Islands (north west of Madagascar). As indicated by the name it is a very variable species with its tight, flat rosettes varying in size from 5 cm to 20 cm across. In nature the species grows at what looks like neatly spaced distances from each other on rocks in rainforest where they receive regular moisture. The size variation is probably brought about by moisture restriction in dry years. Grown in cultivation in the glasshouses of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, it sets huge amounts of seeds and as a result has almost become a weed; it grows from the pebbles on the growing surface between the pots that are placed there. There is some variation in the corolla lobe colour which can be pale white to pale violet but the corolla tube is always violet. This species would do well in cultivation.

• An array of plants growing on a mossy rock in Madagascar
• A plant growing at Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, with flowers and pods
• A close view of the pretty (albeit small) flower