Growing up surrounded by houseplants introduced us to some remarkable individuals. Joan Hill and Gwen Goodship were both icons in the Saintpaulia community, (also a key part of the Saintpaulia and Houseplant Society which sadly is no more) and they were always absolutely delightful! They dedicated many years to these plants and other gesneriads. They always had interesting and exciting new plants to show and share - and spending time with them was always exciting. Their book on African Violets is sadly out of print, but worth a read if you can get hold of it. Both Joan and Gwen spent years trying to get us to grow Saintpaulias - and eventually we succumbed! They were both highly experienced growers, hybridists and exhibitors and are certainly missed.
Above is Saintpaulia ionantha difficilis. Saintpaulia ionantha was the first species to be discovered in the late 19th century by Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire. He was a district officer in East Africa with an interest in botany and would send plant material back to his father in Germany, a patron of the botanic garden at Herrinhausen near Hanover. It was at this garden the plant was named after Saint Paul-Illaire and became Saintpaulia.
Originally considered a separate genus, Saintpaulia (now Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia) is a section within Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpella, but we'll keep on calling them Saintpaulia to save confusion!
