The African violet is well-known for its elegance and variety. Members of the public will have a chance to take a closer look at its different species at a thematic exhibition of African violets to be held from December 1 (Tuesday) at the Forsgate Conservatory in Hong Kong Park under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD).
The African violet, also known as Saintpaulia ionantha, is a herbaceous perennial of the gesneriad family that is native to Eastern Africa. A long flowering period, its small size and easy propagation make the African violet a popular indoor ornamental plant. It has many varieties with flowers blooming year round in a favourable growing environment.
The hairy leaves cluster at the base of the African violet and come in various shapes, such as round and egg-shaped. The succulent and brittle leafstalks are similar in colour to the leaves. The flowers arise from the leaf clusters and come in a rich variety of colours on relatively short stalks.
At the thematic exhibition, more than 300 pots of African violet are on display featuring a variety of over 50 species, including some special species. They are classified in terms of the flower type such as chimera, two-tone, fantasy, double; or in terms of the leaf type such as pointed, variegated and wavy, all showing off their natural beauty in the midst of the bright green.
The exhibition also showcases the growth habits of the African violet and the planting skills needed, including the optimum temperature for planting, light, planting soil, etc, through display panels.
Park-goers are invited to visit the exhibition, which will be open to the public free of charge from 9am to 5pm daily from December 1 to January 10, 2021, at the Forsgate Conservatory of Hong Kong Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central.
For details, please browse the LCSD website.
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