Saintpaulia teitensis
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Saintpaulia teitensis faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion and human settlement in the Taita Hills of Kenya. The species' extremely restricted range makes it particularly vulnerable to localized disturbances, while collection for the horticultural trade has further reduced wild populations. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the cool, humid microclimate conditions essential for this endemic African violet's survival.
Habitat
This endemic African violet inhabits cool, humid rock crevices and cliff faces in the montane forests of the Taita Hills, typically growing on moss-covered rocks in shaded areas. The species requires specific microclimate conditions with high humidity and protection from direct sunlight, found at elevations between 1,400-2,200 meters.
