A good explaination is in The Gesneriad Page. I will put a link on the bottom.

Larry

Another way to understand these two groups is to learn about their native habitats. The strap leafed rosulate and unifoliate streps come from South Africa, extending a little to the north, such as Zimbabwe and perhaps some surrounding countries. Some little known species I believe, are also found in Madagascar. Streptocarpellas come from East Africa and Madagascar. But, most of the streptocarpellas that we grow are from the East African species. Many of these types are found in nature in the same mountains as the saintpaulias. The Madagascar species of streptocarpella all seem to have very tiny flowers, while the East Africans have larger flowers, hence their popularity in cultivation. To a large extent, the hybrids come from two species, saxorum and stomandrous with 'Concord Blue' and 'Good Hope' being a direct cross of these two species.

I am probably making mistakes left and right in my explanation. I hope John B. doesn't find too many mistakes, but I welcome him to correct me.

Jon

Also note: the names are spelled with an "o" not an "a" as in the subject line: streptocarpus and streptocarpella.

Think of these two groups as the "Twisted Sisters" ;)

Jon