African Violets (Saintpaulia) are brightly-colored perennial flowering plants native to Tanzania, Kenya and neighboring areas of East Africa. Named in 1892 for Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, then district commissioner of Tanzania, they are a popular houseplant throughout the world. Though they can be grown outside, African Violets are sensitive to temperature change, which can cause discoloration in their beautiful violet, purple, blue or white flowers. They can measure anywhere between 3-16 inches and reproduce asexually. Often associated with maternity, they make a great gift for Mother's Day or Valentine's Day.