Molecular phylogenies of the genus Streptocarpus based on the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences show that the genus is paraphyletic; other African genera Saintpaulia, Schizoboea and Linnaeopsis are nested within Streptocarpus. The genus Saintpaulia has evolved from a caulescent African Streptocarpus species in subgenus Streptocarpella.
New approaches to the systematics of Saintpaulia and Streptocarpus
Publication: Proceedings of Taxonomy of Cultivated Plants, Third International Symposium
Year: 1999
Genera:
Saintpaulia, Streptocarpus