streptocarpus

[ strep-tuh-kahr-puhs ]

noun

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Streptocarpus, of the gesneria family, native to Africa and Asia, having showy white, pink, or purplish flowers and often cultivated as a houseplant.

streptocarpus

/ ˌstrɛptəˈkɑːpəs /

noun

1. any plant of the typically stemless subtropical perennial genus Streptocarpus, some species of which are grown as greenhouse plants for their tubular flowers in a range of bright colours: family Gesneriaceae

Word History and Origins

Origin of streptocarpus¹

< New Latin (1828); strepto-, -carpous; so named in reference to the tight spirals formed by the ruptured seed capsules

Word History and Origins

Origin of streptocarpus¹

New Latin, from Greek streptos twisted + karpos fruit (from the shape of the capsule)

Example Sentences

In species of Streptocarpus the cotyledons are permanent, and act the part of leaves.

From Project Gutenberg

Compound definite inflorescences are by no means common, but in Streptocarpus polyanthus and in several calceolarias we probably have examples.

From Project Gutenberg

Streptocarpus Wendlandii is a singularly interesting variety.

From Project Gutenberg